AP Environmental Science - 8.5 Eutrophication

Which of the following is FALSE?

• Eutrophication is a negative feedback loop, where it fixes itself as it starts by being pushed back toward higher oxygen conditions. 

• Cultural eutrophication starts with additional nutrients like Nitrogen and Phosphorus.

• Algae die-offs lead to additional decomposition, which uses up dissolved oxygen.  

• Discharge from sewage plants, animal waste and runoff with fertilizers are common sources for nutrient pollution. 

Which of the following is FALSE?

• Eutrophication is always anthropogenic

• Oligotrophic water ways are low in nutrients and have high dissolved oxygen. 

• Dissolved oxygen levels lower than 3ppm are outside of the range of tolerance for most fish. 

• Organic waste will make BOD increase, while DO decreases.