What is often a result of ineffective management of aquatic pollutants?

Ineffective management of aquatic pollutants commonly leads to harmful algal blooms. These blooms occur when excess nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, enter water bodies, often as a result of agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and other human activities. When nutrient levels are high, algae proliferate rapidly, leading to dense blooms.

These algal blooms can create several ecological problems, such as depleting oxygen in the water when they die and decompose, which can harm or kill fish and other aquatic organisms. Additionally, some algal species produce toxins that are harmful to marine life and pose health risks to humans who come into contact with the water or consume contaminated seafood.

In contrast, improved biodiversity and increased clarity in water bodies are generally associated with effective management and a healthy aquatic environment. Lower nutrient levels would also be indicative of effective pollutant management, as they would minimize conditions conducive to harmful algal blooms.