Phosphorus in water runoff is contaminating a lake near a town. Phosphorus is a common ingredient in fertilizers. High levels of phosphorus can cause algal blooms in fresh water.

Question

Which ,begin emphasis,two,end emphasis, actions will ,begin emphasis,best,end emphasis, address the problem of excess phosphorus in runoff while minimizing additional environmental impacts?

Answer options with 5 options
A.
Redirect rivers away from the lake.

B.
Plant cover crops next to farmland and rivers.

C.
Build coverings above farmland that block rainfall.

D.
Build concrete channels for water between farmland and the lake.

E.
Continually test soil nutrient levels and add only the needed amounts.

Answer 1

The two actions that will best address the problem of excess phosphorus in runoff while minimizing additional environmental impacts are:

B. Plant cover crops next to farmland and rivers.

E. Continually test soil nutrient levels and add only the needed amounts.

Planting cover crops can help absorb excess nutrients and reduce soil erosion, while testing soil nutrient levels ensures that fertilizers are only used as needed, mitigating runoff.