Q56 · UPPSC Prelims 2019 · Set A · General Studies

← Q55 Q57 →

With reference to Eutrophication, which of the following statements is/are correct?1.It is a phenomenon of nutrient enrichment of a water body.2.It depletes dissolved oxygen of the water.Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

A 1 only
B 2 only
C Both 1 and 2
D Neither 1 nor 2

Correct answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation

  1. A

    1 only

    Statement 1 is correct: eutrophication is nutrient enrichment of a water body, typically by nitrogen and phosphorus. But statement 2 is also correct, so ‘1 only’ is incomplete.

  2. B

    2 only

    Statement 2 is correct: algal bloom and subsequent decay deplete dissolved oxygen (hypoxia). Statement 1 is also correct, so ‘2 only’ is wrong.

  3. C

    Both 1 and 2

    Both statements are correct. Nutrient enrichment (especially N and P) causes algal bloom; death and bacterial decay of the bloom consume dissolved oxygen and can create dead zones. That is why (c) is the official key.

  4. D

    Neither 1 nor 2

    Neither is false; both describe the same process, so (d) is wrong.

Summary. Official key is (c). Eutrophication is nutrient enrichment of water and it lowers dissolved oxygen after bloom and decay. Both 1 and 2 stand.