A coastal zone receives sewage nutrients, fertilizer runoff, sediments from construction, and toxic metals from urban and industrial activities. After several years, scientists observe algal overgrowth, reduced sunlight penetration, loss of sea grasses, low dissolved oxygen, contamination of shellfish, and accumulation of toxic substances in bottom-feeding organisms. Which explanation best integrates the observed changes?

Question

Accepted Answer

Nutrient inputs can stimulate algal growth and oxygen depletion, sediments can reduce light penetration, and persistent toxic contaminants can accumulate in aquatic organisms.

Answer

The changes demonstrate that only point sources can affect coastal ecosystems.

Answer

All of the observed effects must have originated from a single oil tanker accident.

Answer

Nutrients remove algae, sediments increase light penetration, and metals are immediately degraded.

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A coastal zone receives sewage nutrients, fertilizer runoff, sediments from cons...

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