Q. The water pollutants mainly responsible for the eutrophication are

A) Cd, Pb and Hg present in industrial waste.
B) Heavy metals present in mining waste.
C) Detergents and fertilizers containing phosphate anion.
D) Polychlorinated biphenyls.
Explanation

(c)
Detergents and fertilizers contain phosphates as additives. The addition of phosphorous to water, in the form of the phosphate anion $(PO_{4}^{3 -})$, encourages the formation of algae, which reduces the dissolved oxygen concentration of water. This process is known as eutrophication.

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.