Which category refers to nutrients that promote algal growth?

• A. Organic Chemicals
• B. Plant Nutrients
• C. Inorganic Chemicals
• D. Nitrate Standards

Answer: (B)

Nutrients that feed algae are plant nutrients. In aquatic systems, these are the elements and compounds that plants (including algae) need to grow, especially nitrogen and phosphorus along with micronutrients. When these nutrients are abundant, algal populations can bloom, a process linked to eutrophication. Organic chemicals are carbon-based compounds and aren’t a specific category for promoting algal growth. Inorganic chemicals cover minerals and salts, some of which are nutrients, but the term plant nutrients best captures the nutrients that promote plant and algal growth. Nitrate standards are regulatory limits for water quality, not a nutrient category.