Question

Aristo was riding in a car and noticed a pond that was covered in algal blooms. Which of these other features in the landscape could be the reason for the high levels of phosphorus?

many cars
cow pasture
solar panels
forest

Answer 1

Many cars would be the suitable option among the given options that can be the reason for high levels of phosphorus and this is the feature that is responsible. The correct option among all the options that are given in the question is the first option. The other options given in the question cannot be responsible for the high levels of phosphorus.

Answer 2

The answer is cow pasture.

When the dead cow pasture decomposes, it releases phosphates into the environment. In addition, the cows that feed on the pasture release manure with phosphates content. When the phosphates reach the pond, they spur up bacteria and algal growth in the pond causing an algal bloom. This results in taking up of dissolved oxygen (for cellular respiration) until the waters become anoxic.