Identify the human activities that negatively impact the phosphorus cycle, and explain their impacts
What will be an ideal response?
Humans mine phosphorus to produce phosphorus fertilizers, artificially increasing the flux of phosphorus from rocks to plants. Excessive use of fertilizers can result in phosphorus (and nitrogen) running off into waterways, causing eutrophication, excessive algal growth, murkier waters, and zones of oxygen depletion, ultimately causing the suffocation and death of fish and other aquatic life. Phosphates can also increase in waterways as a result of livestock production when the waterways become contaminated with animal wastes, which contain high levels of phosphorus. Human wastes also contain concentrated amounts of phosphorus, and detergents and soaps can contain phosphorus. The resulting phosphorus in our wastewater is often not removed during the process of sewage treatment, and thus, surface waters receiving effluent from sewage treatment plants can become contaminated with excessive phosphorus.
You might also like to view...
Which of the following defines a katabatic wind?
A. a warm, downslope wind B. a cold, downslope wind C. a cold, upslope wind D. a warm, upslope wind
Atmospheric concentrations of ____ can vary significantly depending on time and location
A) hydrogen B) water vapor C) helium D) argon
Relative to many other parts of North America, the Great Plains has ________ elderly in relation to the number of younger residents
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Define risk assessment and risk management. Discuss how risk management combines science and other social factors
What will be an ideal response?