Which sources contribute nutrients to aquatic ecosystems?

Prepare for your NRCM Nutrient Cycling Exam. Test your knowledge with diverse question types, each accompanied by comprehensive hints and explanations. Be confident and ready!

The selection that identifies sources contributing nutrients to aquatic ecosystems is correct because drainage water, detritus, sediment, and precipitation all play significant roles in nutrient cycling within these environments.

Drainage water often contains dissolved nutrients and organic matter that originate from terrestrial areas and can enhance nutrient availability in aquatic systems when it flows into lakes, rivers, or oceans. Detritus, which refers to decomposing organic material, serves as a vital food source for many aquatic organisms and is rich in nutrients, thereby supporting the whole ecosystem.

Sediment can hold various nutrients that become available to aquatic life over time through processes like decomposition and resuspension. Precipitation, including rain and snow, can also contribute nutrients when it washes through the soil and landscape, leaching elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus directly into bodies of water.

This comprehensive combination of sources ensures that aquatic ecosystems receive a consistent supply of essential nutrients needed for the growth and maintenance of aquatic organisms. Other options do not adequately encompass the main processes by which nutrients are introduced into aquatic systems.

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