Question

23 mark for review
which of the following is most likely to increase both the nutrient levels and the bacterial content of lake
water?
a runoff from a nearby hog farm
b thermal pollution from a nearby power plant
c increased aeration of the lake water
d percolation of the water through soil to groundwater
e acidification of the lake water by acid deposition

Explanation:

• Option A: Hog farm runoff contains animal waste with nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus) and bacteria from the farm, so it increases both nutrient and bacterial levels in lake water.
• Option B: Thermal pollution affects water temperature, not directly nutrient or bacterial levels.
• Option C: Increased aeration improves oxygen levels, not nutrient/bacterial content.
• Option D: Percolation to groundwater reduces lake water volume, not increase nutrients/bacteria.
• Option E: Acid deposition acidifies water, impacting pH but not directly increasing nutrients/bacteria.

Answer:

A. Runoff from a nearby hog farm