Prime contaminants leading to cultural or accelerated eutrophication are

Options

A. Fecal matter and paper fibres
B. Sand and clay
C. Phosphates and nitrates
D. Nitrates and sulphates

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Eutrophication**:
- Eutrophication refers to the process where water bodies, such as lakes, become enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. This can eventually result in the depletion of oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life.

2. **Identifying Nutrient Sources**:
- The primary nutrients that contribute to eutrophication are nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients often come from various contaminants that enter water bodies.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- The question provides several options:
- A) Fecal matter and paper fibers
- B) Sand and clay
- C) Phosphates and nitrates
- D) Nitrates and sulfates

4. **Evaluating Each Option**:
- A) Fecal matter and paper fibers: While fecal matter can introduce some nutrients, it is not a primary source of the nutrients leading to eutrophication.
- B) Sand and clay: These are not nutrients and do not contribute to eutrophication.
- C) Phosphates and nitrates: Both of these are essential nutrients that promote plant growth and are known to be the primary contaminants causing eutrophication.
- D) Nitrates and sulfates: Nitrates contribute to eutrophication, but sulfates do not play a significant role in this process.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **C) Phosphates and nitrates**, as they are the prime contaminants leading to cultural or accelerated eutrophication.