Which of the following is true about HABs?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is true about HABs?

HABs are blooms that take off when aquatic systems receive too many nutrients and the water is warm and shallow. Excess nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer runoff, wastewater, and urban stormwater, feed algae so they grow rapidly. Warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight boost this growth, and shallow waters concentrate nutrients near the surface, making blooms more likely. These blooms can release toxins that harm fish, wildlife, and even people, and they can foul drinking water and recreation areas. They aren’t caused only by natural cycles; human activities often intensify them by increasing nutrient inputs. They don’t require high salinity and can occur in freshwater as well as brackish environments. So the statement that HABs are often fueled by excess nutrients and warm shallow water is the best description.

HABs are blooms that take off when aquatic systems receive too many nutrients and the water is warm and shallow. Excess nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer runoff, wastewater, and urban stormwater, feed algae so they grow rapidly. Warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight boost this growth, and shallow waters concentrate nutrients near the surface, making blooms more likely. These blooms can release toxins that harm fish, wildlife, and even people, and they can foul drinking water and recreation areas. They aren’t caused only by natural cycles; human activities often intensify them by increasing nutrient inputs. They don’t require high salinity and can occur in freshwater as well as brackish environments. So the statement that HABs are often fueled by excess nutrients and warm shallow water is the best description.

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