What effect can excess algal growths have on water quality?

What effect can excess algal growths have on water quality?

• A. Improve oxygen levels
• B. Cause tastes and odors in water
• C. Remove pollutants efficiently
• D. Increase water temperature

Answer: (B)

Excess algal growths, or algal blooms, can indeed cause tastes and odors in water. When algae die and decompose, they release organic compounds that can impart unpleasant flavors and smells, making water unpalatable and potentially impacting its use for drinking or recreational purposes. Additionally, certain types of algae produce toxins that can pose health risks to both humans and aquatic life. The other choices do not accurately represent the effects of excess algal growth. While algal blooms can affect the overall health of an aquatic ecosystem, they do not notably improve oxygen levels, as the decomposition process can actually consume oxygen, leading to hypoxia. Algal blooms are not known for efficiently removing pollutants; in fact, they can contribute to water quality deterioration by clogging filters and consuming resources needed by other aquatic organisms. Moreover, while excess algal growth can alter thermal dynamics in a body of water, it does not necessarily increase water temperature in a beneficial way; rather, it may contribute to temperature stratification and other ecological imbalances.

Excess algal growths, or algal blooms, can indeed cause tastes and odors in water. When algae die and decompose, they release organic compounds that can impart unpleasant flavors and smells, making water unpalatable and potentially impacting its use for drinking or recreational purposes. Additionally, certain types of algae produce toxins that can pose health risks to both humans and aquatic life.

The other choices do not accurately represent the effects of excess algal growth. While algal blooms can affect the overall health of an aquatic ecosystem, they do not notably improve oxygen levels, as the decomposition process can actually consume oxygen, leading to hypoxia. Algal blooms are not known for efficiently removing pollutants; in fact, they can contribute to water quality deterioration by clogging filters and consuming resources needed by other aquatic organisms. Moreover, while excess algal growth can alter thermal dynamics in a body of water, it does not necessarily increase water temperature in a beneficial way; rather, it may contribute to temperature stratification and other ecological imbalances.