Plant Nutrients That Affect Water Quality
| Water quality is the measure of suitability of water for particular use based on its physical, chemical and biological characteristics. If you want to determine water quality, you first have to measure and analyze the characteristics of the water. |
These characteristics include temperature, mineral content and bacteria. Once you get the measure of the characteristics, you have to compare them with a standard and this will give you an idea for what you can use the water.
The most commonly dissolved substances in water are minerals and these include calcium, sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride. Water also contains plant nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus along with trace elements like chromium, selenium and arsenic.
There is evidence that plant nutrients affect water quality. Aquatic plants and algae that grow in streams, lakes and ponds use these nutrients to grow. These plants and algae are very important in an aquatic ecosystem because they produce oxygen and provide food for other animals and aquatic life. If plant nutrients from fertilizers and manure reach water sources, it is seen that the growth of plants and algae in the water increases.
However, excessive growth of algae because of excess plant nutrients in the water makes the algae produce compounds that are toxic to livestock. When water is fouled by plants and algae, the dissolved oxygen in the water starts depleting and this kills other aquatic life.
Plant nutrients that affect water quality are good in moderate amounts. Just like in life, excess of anything is bad so also with plant nutrients.
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