Phosphates are also essential compounds used as groups in the formation of DNA and bone tissue. Phosphates enter the water system from household detergents and from fertilizers. Phosphates and nitrates are important nutrients for algae. An excess of these compounds in warm water may cause an algae bloom. The algae population becomes an extreme and algae dies.
Decomposition occurs using much oxygen and other aquatic organisms also die and decompose.
This condition is known as eutrophication and the ecological balance has been destroyed. The purpose of this activity is to provide the learner with experience in collecting and measuring water samples to determine the phosphate level and its implications. 4. communicate how nitrates and phosphates effect an algae bloom. 5. communicate the cause and effect of an algae bloom as a factor of eutrophication. Review the testing procedure for measuring phosphates in water samples using the Phosphate Testing Kit.