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Basically this type of fish kill is caused by nature not being able to contend with mans input. Usually caused by soil or fertiliser run off from farms, excess nutrients get into the water ways/lakes etc. Then nature tries to use up these excess nutrients in the only way it can and that is by the growth of Algae. Algae are tiny plants that will use up the chemicals N.P.& K. and the many other trace elements that have become suddenly available in the water. When this happens it is called an "algae bloom". Then, when all the excess nutrients have been used up by the algae, there is nothing for the it to use up (eat?) so it dies. Now we have a different problem. The dead algae decays. This decaying process is speeded up by aerobic (oxygen using) bacteria which create a lack of oxygen in the water. At this stage both the bacteria and the fish become short of oxygen so they die off (suffocate) too. This creates another load of decaying matter and another excess of nutrients N.P.K. etc etc etc. This has started a continuing circle of algae bloom and decay which continues on taking nature a considerable time to clean up, settle down and get back to normal.
What else can I help you with?
What is the main cause of fish kills in rivers polluted by fertilizers?
The main cause of fish kills in rivers polluted by fertilizers is nutrient runoff leading to algal blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen levels in the water as they decompose, resulting in hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions that can suffocate fish and other aquatic organisms.
How can algal blooms be harmful to aquatic life?
because euglenophytes absorb waste and such... they recycle it and so!.. when theres to much waste the euglenophytes make things called "algal blooms" the algal blooms deplete the waters nutruents and oxygen killing algae and other organisms
How can algal blooms be bad?
Algae blooms are a form of bacteria and can cause skin irritation or respiratory irritation in people who get in the water or handle the algae. Some blooms of blue-green algae can produce chemicals that are toxic to animals and people who drink the untreated water.
Why is eutrophication bad?
Natural eutrophication isn't as much of a problem as artificial eutrophication. Artificial eutrophication is caused by humans (fertilizer from farms, lawns, gardens, etc. pesticides, herbicides, road chemicals, etc) these chemicals cause eutrophication to happen much faster than it should. If eutrophication happens faster, algal blooms (large floating mats of algae) form. When algal blooms decay, the bacteria that decays it depletes the oxygen in the lake or pond and the fish die of suffocation.
Will phosphates kill fish?
Phosphates themselves do not directly kill fish, but high levels can lead to harmful algal blooms in water bodies. These blooms deplete oxygen in the water and produce toxins, which can be lethal to fish and other aquatic life. Additionally, when the algae die and decompose, the resulting oxygen depletion can create dead zones where fish cannot survive. Thus, while phosphates are not toxic to fish in small amounts, their excess can have devastating ecological effects.
What consequences can result from algae and bacteria growing too quickly?
A. The fish can grow larger. B. Animals may reproduce at a faster rate. C. New toxins are released into the water. D. Nutrients are taken away from fish and animals.
If algal growth in a lake increases which organisms will be most immediately affected?
If algal growth in a lake increases, organisms that rely on light and oxygen, such as fish and aquatic invertebrates, will be most immediately affected. The dense algal blooms can block sunlight, hindering photosynthesis in submerged plants and disrupting the aquatic food web. Additionally, as algae die and decompose, the process can deplete oxygen levels, leading to hypoxic conditions that can suffocate fish and other aerobic organisms.
What causes alge blooms in ponds?
Algal blooms result from an abundance of nutrients, particularly phosphorus. Too much carbon and nitrogen have also been suspected to cause algal blooms, but little research has been done to prove it. When Phosphorus enters into a water system it causes an increased growth of algal. It usually takes over causing many plants to die. The dead matter becomes food for bacteria that decomposes it. Because of more food for the bacteria, the bacteria multiply and use up the dissolved oxygen in the water. This results in many fish and aquatic insects dying because they cannot survive. This results in a dead area.
How does algal blooms effect the environment?
Algal blooms can have negative effects on the environment by depleting oxygen in the water, which can harm aquatic organisms like fish. They can also release toxins that can contaminate water and harm both aquatic life and human health. Additionally, as the algae die and decompose, they can contribute to an increase in nutrient levels in the water, leading to further ecological imbalances.
How does algal bloom leave to eutropication?
Algal blooms can lead to eutrophication when excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from sources like sewage discharge or fertilizer runoff promote rapid algal growth. As the algae die and decompose, oxygen in the water is consumed, leading to hypoxic conditions that harm aquatic life. Additionally, the accumulation of algal biomass can block sunlight, further depleting oxygen levels and disrupting the balance of the aquatic ecosystem.
What kind of environmental problems does an excess of phosphorus cause?
Excess phosphorus in the environment can lead to nutrient pollution, primarily resulting in algal blooms in water bodies. These blooms deplete oxygen levels when they die and decompose, causing hypoxia or "dead zones," which can harm aquatic life. Additionally, harmful algal blooms can produce toxins that affect drinking water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Overall, excess phosphorus disrupts the balance of aquatic ecosystems and poses risks to both wildlife and human health.
What happens when nitrogen enters the water?
When nitrogen enters the water, it can lead to water pollution and potentially cause harmful algal blooms. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, which can harm aquatic organisms and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. Nitrogen can also contribute to eutrophication, where excess nutrients lead to the overgrowth of algae and other aquatic plants, further impacting water quality.
