Figure 2.3 The effects of organic material and nutrients released into waterways

Textual description

This figure describes the effects of organic materials and nutrients released into waterways. When wastewater brings excessive loads of organic material into waterways, aerobic bacteria consuming the material deplete dissolved oxygen in the water. When wastewater brings excessive nutrients into waterways, the growth of algae and scum is stimulated, which can reduce levels of dissolved oxygen. In both cases, aquatic life suffers.