Use of synthetic fertilisers often leads to the contamination of groundwater with nitrates. Nitrate pollution is also a suspected cause of anoxic "dead zones" in the ocean. Which of the following might help reduce nitrate pollution?
A) growing improved crop plants that have nitrogen-fixing enzymes
B) adding nitrifying bacteria to the soil
C) adding denitrifying bacteria to the soil
D) using ammonia instead of nitrate as a fertiliser

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Growing improved crop plants that have nitrogen-fixing enzymes would reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers, leading to a decrease in nitrate pollution. Option B would only convert ammonia to nitrate, therefore exacerbating the problem. Option C would convert nitrate to gaseous nitrogen, which would reduce the amount of nitrogen available for the plant to utilise. Therefore, option A is the best choice to reduce nitrate pollution. Option D would still involve the use of synthetic fertilisers and would not address the issue of nitrate pollution.

Use of Synthetic Fertilisers Often Leads to the Contamination of Groundwater