What happens to aquatic life when there's a high concentration of oils and grease?

Study for the Wastewater Grade 4 Exam. Use our interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly and ace your certification!

When there's a high concentration of oils and grease in aquatic environments, it creates a harmful situation for aquatic life. Oils and grease form a layer on the surface of the water, which can block sunlight from reaching aquatic plants, thereby disrupting photosynthesis. This not only affects the plants but also reduces the oxygen supply in the water as the photosynthesis process decreases.

Additionally, the presence of oils and grease can be toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to stress or even death. These substances can interfere with the gill function of fish, making it difficult for them to breathe. Furthermore, such pollutants can cause long-term health issues for aquatic organisms, ultimately resulting in a decline in the biodiversity of the ecosystem. Thus, the conditions in the water become harmful, which negatively impacts the entire aquatic ecosystem.

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