Which substances are classified as nutrients that promote growth in aquatic systems?

Nitrogen and phosphorus are the primary nutrients that promote growth in aquatic systems, making them crucial components of the nutrient cycle. These elements are essential for the growth of aquatic plants and phytoplankton, which form the base of the aquatic food web.

Nitrogen is a key part of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids, contributing significantly to the growth of organisms. It comes from various sources, including fertilizers, animal waste, and atmospheric deposition. Phosphorus, on the other hand, is vital for energy transfer through ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and is also a fundamental part of DNA and RNA.

In aquatic environments, an abundance of nitrogen and phosphorus can lead to eutrophication. This process can cause excessive growth of algae, which may lead to detrimental effects such as oxygen depletion and harm to aquatic life when the algae die off and decompose. Managing the inputs of these nutrients is a critical aspect of wastewater treatment and water quality management, ensuring that aquatic ecosystems remain balanced and healthy.

The other substances mentioned, while they do play important roles in various physiological processes, do not have the same direct and significant impact on promoting growth in aquatic systems as nitrogen and phosphorus do. Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium,