Question
what is the source of the nitrogen and phosphorus that create the dead zone A oil spills Bemissions from power plants C excess fetilizers carried into rivers D increased nutrient cycling due to invasive species
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The primary sources of nitrogen and phosphorus that contribute to dead zones in water bodies are primarily associated with option **C: excess fertilizers carried into rivers**.
When fertilizers are applied to agricultural fields, rain and irrigation can cause runoff, which carries nitrogen and phosphorus into nearby rivers and ultimately into lakes and coastal waters. This nutrient runoff can lead to algal blooms, which, when they die and decompose, deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating so-called "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive.
While oil spills (option A), emissions from power plants (option B), and increased nutrient cycling due to invasive species (option D) can impact ecosystems, they are not the primary contributors of nitrogen and phosphorus leading to dead zones.
When fertilizers are applied to agricultural fields, rain and irrigation can cause runoff, which carries nitrogen and phosphorus into nearby rivers and ultimately into lakes and coastal waters. This nutrient runoff can lead to algal blooms, which, when they die and decompose, deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating so-called "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive.
While oil spills (option A), emissions from power plants (option B), and increased nutrient cycling due to invasive species (option D) can impact ecosystems, they are not the primary contributors of nitrogen and phosphorus leading to dead zones.