Question

question 12 of 29 phosphates have been banned in most dishwashing detergents in order to protect the environment. how do phosphates in large quantities affect the environment? a. they lead to algal blooms and starve fish of oxygen. b. they increase the salinity of water and pollute drinking water. c. they increase the acidity of water and cause acid rain. d. they buffer cells from extremes in ph.

Explanation:

Phosphates are nutrients. In water bodies, an excess of them causes rapid growth of algae (algal blooms). As the algae die and decompose, bacteria consume oxygen in the process, starving fish of oxygen.

Answer:

A. They lead to algal blooms and starve fish of oxygen.