Correct option is D
An over-fertile lake, also known as a eutrophic lake, experiences a process called
eutrophication. This occurs when excessive nutrients, particularly
nitrates and
phosphates, enter the lake, often from agricultural runoff, sewage, or industrial discharges. These nutrients lead to
excessive growth of algae (algal bloom), which significantly impacts the aquatic ecosystem.
Information Booster: ·
Eutrophication results from nutrient overloading in water bodies.
· The process can result in massive fish kills, particularly in deeper parts of lakes where oxygen becomes depleted.
· Algal blooms can produce toxins harmful to aquatic life and even humans.
· Affected lakes exhibit murky water, foul odor, and reduced biodiversity.
· Prevention involves reducing agricultural runoff, using phosphate-free detergents, and proper waste management.
Additional Knowledge:
(a) Nitrate level decreases: Incorrect. Over-fertile lakes have elevated nitrate levels, a primary cause of eutrophication.
(b) Depletion in algal productivity: Incorrect. Algal productivity spikes due to the availability of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates.
(c) Oxygen level increases: Incorrect. Oxygen levels decrease as algae die and decompose, consuming oxygen in the process (hypoxia).