Question

A drinking water reservoir for a small town develops a blue-green algae bloom. The town hires a company to eliminate the problem. Which of the following should the company investigate first as a likely source of the problem?\

A a pit where granite is ground up into gravel

B a neighborhood where lawn chemicals are widely used

C a junkyard where cars are salvaged for parts

D a place where corn and soybeans are stored

Answer 1

Answer: B. a neighborhood where lawn chemicals are widely used

Why: Blue-green algae blooms in drinking water reservoirs are often associated with nutrient enrichment, particularly an excess of phosphorus and nitrogen. Lawn chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, commonly contain these nutrients. Therefore, investigating a neighborhood where lawn chemicals are widely used is a reasonable first step, as it may reveal a potential source of nutrient runoff into the reservoir, contributing to the algae bloom.