Question

Write three causes of cultural eutrophication.

Answer 1

1. Agricultural Runoff: Excessive use of synthetic nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers causes runoff during rain events, transferring these nutrients to adjacent lakes and streams.
2. Wastewater and Sewage: Discharges from sewage treatment plants and leaking septic systems introduce large levels of organic waste and phosphates (typically from detergents) into aquatic ecosystems.
3. Industrial Emissions and Runoff: Certain industries release nutrient-rich effluents or contribute to atmospheric nitrogen deposition by burning fossil fuels, which eventually settles in aquatic bodies.