A manufacturing company accidentally spills chemicals into a lake bordering their plant. These chemicals are toxic to the phytoplankton living in the lake. Which of the following is the most likely long-term effect if efforts are not made to clean up the spill?

Large algal blooms will form and toxins in these organisms will kill fish and other wildlife.

The phytoplankton will adapt to the new conditions and eventually bring the lake back into equilibrium.

Levels of oxygen in the lake will drop and will reduce the lake's ability to support life.

Levels of oxygen in the lake

Question

A manufacturing company accidentally spills chemicals into a lake bordering their plant. These chemicals are toxic to the phytoplankton living in the lake. Which of the following is the most likely long-term effect if efforts are not made to clean up the spill? 

 Large algal blooms will form and toxins in these organisms will kill fish and other wildlife. 

 The phytoplankton will adapt to the new conditions and eventually bring the lake back into equilibrium. 

 Levels of oxygen in the lake will drop and will reduce the lake's ability to support life. 

 Levels of oxygen in the lake

wach · Answer

Levels of oxygen in the lake will drop and will reduce the lake's ability to support life. 
Why? Phyoplankton create oxygen (as a result of photosynthesis I believe) which help sustain levels in a lake, supporting other organisms.

anonymous · Answer

thanksss!

anonymous · Answer

this is part of last answer @wach  in the lake will increase as phytoplankton die, and the number of fish will increase.

wach · Answer

I still believe it's the 3rd option

anonymous · Answer

ok