What is a potential consequence of failing to denitrify wastewater?

Failing to denitrify wastewater can lead to increased nutrient pollution, particularly in the form of nitrogen compounds. Denitrification is a vital process wherein bacteria convert nitrates in wastewater into nitrogen gas, which is then released into the atmosphere. When this process is incomplete, nitrates and other nitrogen compounds remain in the water.

This excess nitrogen can contribute to nutrient pollution, promoting algal blooms in receiving waters such as rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water – a phenomenon known as hypoxia – leading to dead zones where aquatic life cannot thrive. The presence of abundant nutrients can also harm ecosystems by overwhelming them, which can lead to imbalances in species populations and the overall health of aquatic environments.

While the other options address potential issues related to water systems, they do not directly correlate with the consequences of failing to denitrify wastewater in the way that increased nutrient pollution does.