The Susquehanna River, which runs through the states of New York, Pennsylvania, an Maryland , received the title- America's most
Endangered River in a 2005. One of the rivers problem's results from the large number of sewage overflow sites that are found along the course of the river. These sewage overflow sites are a direct result of an increase in human population. What effect do you predict this will have on the biodiversity on the river ecosystem?
This produces several negative effects on the biodiversity of the river ecosystem.
<u>Explanation:</u>
The Susquehanna river is polluted by the excess release of nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen from agricultural land and sewage treatment plants. This can adversely affect the health of the river. The excess of nutrients will accelerate the growth of algae in the river.
The dead algae that settle at the bottom of the river decay by consuming the oxygen present in the river. This will reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen in the river and affect aquatic life.
Thick algal growth partially prevents the penetration of sunlight into the water and this affects the growth of submerged plants which are food to the fish.
