Increasing population sizes led to increasing demand for food. Farmers use synthetic fertilizers to add necessary nutrients to the soil so crops can grow. What is the ultimate consequence of this fertilizer use?

Question

Death of aquatic organisms
Algal blooms grow rapidly
Fertilizer runs off with rainwater
Deoxygenated water bodies

Answer 1

The ultimate consequence of fertilizer use is primarily algal blooms grow rapidly. This occurs because the synthetic fertilizers often contain high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which can run off into nearby water bodies, leading to nutrient enrichment (eutrophication). This, in turn, can cause algal blooms to proliferate quickly. When the algae die and decompose, this process can deplete the oxygen in the water, leading to the death of aquatic organisms and the creation of deoxygenated water bodies. Thus, while the other options are related consequences, algal blooms are the initial and direct result of nutrient runoff from fertilizer use.