A scientist is wondering why a certain region in the ocean doesn't have maximum phytoplankton growth, despite having plenty of nutrients. The scientist samples the water for nutrient levels and finds that there is 2.5 ug/L of Phosphorus and 27ug/L of Nitrogen. What can be said about the water?

A) The water is nitrogen limited

B) The water is phosphorus limited

C) The water has an adequate nitrogen and phosphorus, so it is likely iron limited

D) The water has adequate nutrients, but is likely limited by light availability

Question

Chemistry

Luke Olson

22 February, 20:36

A scientist is wondering why a certain region in the ocean doesn't have maximum phytoplankton growth, despite having plenty of nutrients. The scientist samples the water for nutrient levels and finds that there is 2.5 ug/L of Phosphorus and 27ug/L of Nitrogen. What can be said about the water?

A) The water is nitrogen limited

B) The water is phosphorus limited

C) The water has an adequate nitrogen and phosphorus, so it is likely iron limited

D) The water has adequate nutrients, but is likely limited by light availability

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Carina Huber · Answer 1

C The water had adequate nitrogen and phosphorus, so it is likely iron limited.

Explanation:

Phytoplankton are single - cell organisms that live in oceans.

They require nitrogen, phosphorus and trace amount of iron to survive.

From the scientist's results after testing the water for nitrogen and phosphorus, there are reasonable amount of these elements.

Therefore insufficient iron in the water is the reason why he could find plenty phytoplankton in the ocean.