What are substances that can cause impairment in water quality?

Substances that can cause impairment in water quality include a variety of pollutants that negatively affect the ecosystem and human health. Nutrients, organic matter, and acids are all significant contributors to water quality issues.

Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can lead to eutrophication when they are present in excess. This process stimulates the growth of algae, which can deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life upon decomposition.

Organic matter, particularly from plant and animal sources, can interact with water quality by influencing the levels of dissolved oxygen and supporting microbial activity. An overabundance of organic material can also lead to increased biological oxygen demand (BOD), further deteriorating aquatic ecosystems.

Acids, including those from industrial discharges or acid rain, can alter the pH of water bodies, making them inhospitable to many aquatic organisms and disrupting the overall balance of the ecosystem.

Other options focus on more limited categories of pollutants. Toxic chemicals can certainly impair water quality, but they do not encompass all the various and common impairing substances found in water bodies. Similarly, heavy metals are a serious concern, but they represent only a portion of the pollutants that affect water quality. Dirt and pathogens, while important factors, do not cover the