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Which of the following is most likely to limit primary production in fresh water lakes ?1. Oxygen2. Calcium3. Phosphorus4. Carbon

Answer» Correct Answer - Option 3 : Phosphorus

The correct answer is Phosphorus.

Phosphorus is most likely to limit primary production in freshwater lakes.

  • Primary production is the process of conversion of light energy to chemical energy by green plants. For the aquatic ecosystem, usually, phytoplankton does this work.
  • In an ecosystem, the primary production sets the balance of the energy budget.
  • The amount of light and nutrients limits primary production.
  • A limiting nutrient is an element that must be added for production to increase in a particular area.
  • In this case, two important nutrients are Nitrogen and Phosphorus that limit primary production.
  • Nitrogen act as an agent for algae blooms in the sea/ocean water.
  • In the case of freshwater, the major source of pollutants is derived through domestic sewage and agricultural fields.
  • Phosphate content present in soap, phosphate fertilizers, concentrated animal feeding operations, etc causes extra addition of phosphorus in the freshwater.
  • It predominantly causes Eutrophication.
  • Eutrophication means  is characterized by dense algal and plant growth in the water that causes threats to the survival of aquatic life  
  • Phosphorus is the nutrient that limited cyanobacteria growth.


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