Question

Eutrophication of lakes is caused by the discharge of water containing excessive quantities of
1. Discharge of heavy metals
2. Phosphorus
3. Potassium
4. Carbonaceous matter 

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Phosphorus

Explanation

• Eutrophication is an accelerated growth of algae on higher forms of plant life caused by the enrichment of water by nutrients, especially compounds of nitrogen and phosphorous.
• It induce an undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water and to the quality of water concerned.
• The main cause of eutrophication is the large input of nutrients to a water body and the main effect is the imbalance in the food web that results in high levels of phytoplankton biomass in stratified water bodies. This can lead to algal blooms.