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Describe the eutrophication process in water, including increased nitrate availability, producer growth, decomposition, aerobic respiration by decomposers, oxygen reduction, and the death of oxygen-dependent organisms.

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Cambridge IGCSE BiologyHuman influences on ecosystemsSupplement content

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Describe the eutrophication process in water, including increased nitrate availability, producer growth, decomposition, aerobic respiration by decomposers, oxygen reduction, and the death of oxygen-dependent organisms

  • This point belongs to Pollution, especially Pollution outcomes.
  • You need to be able to describe the eutrophication process in water, including increased nitrate availability, producer growth, decomposition, aerobic respiration by decomposers, oxygen reduction, and the death of oxygen-dependent organisms.
  • The key ideas to know are Explain.
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Paper 4Theory (Extended)4 marks

Description

Eutrophication Process

Nitrate levels increase in a lake due to fertilizer runoff. This causes algae to grow rapidly. When the algae die, decomposers break down the dead algae using oxygen, reducing oxygen levels in the water. Fish in the lake begin to die due to lack of oxygen.

  1. a

    Explain how increased nitrate availability leads to the death of oxygen-dependent organisms in the lake.

    Aim for approximately 4 distinct marking points.

    [4]
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