Question

After learning about your local water supply, you decide you want to start doing some research. You decide to measure the phosphate levels of your local pond every week and record the results. The BEST reason to carry out this process is A) to make sure that the pH levels in the pond are not too low. B) to make sure you have a record of the changes in turbidity in the pond. C) to make sure that the dissolved oxygen levels in the pond are not too high. D) to make sure that the pond is safe for fish and other members of the ecosystem.

Answer 1

D) seems to be right

Answer 2

Answer: D) to make sure that the pond is safe for fish and other members of the ecosystem.

Explanation:

The phosphate is a chief ingredient of fertilizers used for the growth of crops in an agricultural field. The phosphate and other minerals are added to the neighboring water bodies by the surface runoff. The accumulation of such minerals will promote the process of eutrophication. Eutrophication refers to the increase in growth of plants and algae on surface of water due to excess increase in inorganic minerals like phosphates in the water. This process will decrease the concentration of oxygen in the water body and will result in mortality of aquatic animals.

According to the given situation, the levels of phosphates in the local water supply should be low so that eutrophication does not occur. This can be evident by observing the health of the fish and other aquatic animals of the ecosystem.