What is an algal bloom?

Prepare for the APES Aquatic Pollution Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Get detailed hints and explanations for each question to ace your exam!

An algal bloom refers to a rapid increase in the population of algae in aquatic environments, often triggered by nutrient overload, particularly phosphorous and nitrogen. These nutrients can come from various sources, such as agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and other forms of pollution. When these nutrients are abundant, they promote excessive growth of algae, leading to dense algal mats or blooms.

This sudden surge can have significant ecological impacts. For instance, algal blooms can deplete oxygen in the water as algae die and decay, leading to hypoxic conditions that threaten fish and other aquatic life. Additionally, some algal species produce toxins that can harm wildlife and pose health risks to humans.

The other choices do not accurately describe algal blooms. A decrease in algae species or a decrease in aquatic photosynthesis would not qualify as an algal bloom. Additionally, a stable growth of algae in ecosystems does not pertain to the dramatic rise associated with blooms, which is both sudden and often detrimental to the health of aquatic ecosystems.

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