Water Pollutant - Phosphate
Phosphates are nutrients essential for plant as well as animal growth. But, when their concentration exceeds certain limit they pose serious problems to water bodies, and adversely affect water quality. Major sources of phosphates are non-point sources that include agricultural run-off and sewage or domestic effluent (West Cumbria Rivers Trust, 2015). Phosphate fertilizers used in agriculture are washed off during rains, and they reach nearby water bodies. Sewage receives phosphates from detergents and food or drink additives (West Cumbria Rivers Trust, 2015). Excess phosphates in the water body lead to algal bloom or “eutrophication” that completely destroys the quality ...
