Which of the following can be an effect of cultural eutrophication?

Cultural eutrophication refers to the process by which water bodies become enriched with nutrients, primarily phosphorus and nitrogen, usually as a result of human activities such as agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and urban runoff. This nutrient overload stimulates excessive growth of algae, known as algal blooms.

The correct choice highlights a significant consequence of cultural eutrophication: decreased biodiversity in aquatic systems. As algal blooms proliferate, they often block sunlight from penetrating the water, disrupting the photosynthesis of submerged aquatic plants. This can lead to a decline in plant life, which serves as a critical habitat and food source for a variety of aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates. Furthermore, when these algae die and decompose, the process consumes oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxic or anoxic conditions that can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic life. This ultimately results in a decline in species diversity, as some organisms may thrive under these conditions while others may not survive, thereby reducing overall biodiversity.

In contrast, cultural eutrophication would not typically lead to clear, nutrient-rich waters; instead, it often results in murky, green water due to algae bloom. While some species of fish may initially thrive on the increased nutrients, long-term effects