Which of the following describes the effect of fertilizer pollution on water acidity?

Which of the following describes the effect of fertilizer pollution on water acidity?

• A. No effect
• B. Decrease acidity
• C. Increase acidity
• D. Lower salinity

Answer: (C)

Fertilizer pollution raises water acidity because nitrogen compounds from the fertilizer are converted by aquatic microbes in a process called nitrification. Ammonium is oxidized to nitrite and then to nitrate, and this transformation releases hydrogen ions. The extra H+ ions increase the acidity of the water, lowering the pH. It doesn’t lower salinity, and it’s not a situation where acidity decreases; the primary effect is an increase in acidity.

Fertilizer pollution raises water acidity because nitrogen compounds from the fertilizer are converted by aquatic microbes in a process called nitrification. Ammonium is oxidized to nitrite and then to nitrate, and this transformation releases hydrogen ions. The extra H+ ions increase the acidity of the water, lowering the pH. It doesn’t lower salinity, and it’s not a situation where acidity decreases; the primary effect is an increase in acidity.