Which of the following best describes the transfer of phosphates and the impact on the environment and human health?
- phosphates decrease the growth of algae in surface water bodies, and an overpopulation of fish in surface water bodies occurs.
- detergents containing phosphates are carried from land to water by rain, contaminating drinking water and causing digestive problems in humans.
- leaky septic tanks transfer phosphates into the groundwater and are converted into nitrites in the human body, which are poisonous and could be fatal for infants.
- nitrates increase the amount of organic substances in water and lowers the amount of dissolved oxygen, killing fish.