Which of the following are the major contaminants from industries and

Which of the following are the major contaminants from industries and households that cause cultural eutrophication?

[amp_mcq option1=”Chlorine and aldrin” option2=”Mercury and nitrates” option3=”Nitrates and phosphates” option4=”Phosphates and ammonium” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
The correct answer is C) Nitrates and phosphates.
Cultural eutrophication is the process of nutrient enrichment of water bodies by human activities. The major contaminants from industries, agriculture, and households that cause this are compounds of nitrogen (like nitrates) and phosphorus (like phosphates). These nutrients promote excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants.
Sources of nitrates include agricultural runoff (fertilizers), sewage, and atmospheric deposition. Sources of phosphates include detergents (historically), sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff. High concentrations of these nutrients disrupt aquatic ecosystems by leading to algal blooms, oxygen depletion (hypoxia) upon decomposition of dead algae, and loss of biodiversity.