Answer
A) A feasible explanation for the algal bloom is that when fertilizer is used, the runoff from the fertilizer can add nutrients to bodies of water such as ponds. The nutrients cause eutrophication, and algal blooms can occur.
B) i) A testable hypothesis for my experiment could be: "If fertilizer runs off into the ornamental pond, algal blooms will occur."
ii) The variable that I would be testing would be the amount of algae that blooms in the ornamental pond.
iii) The data that would need to be collected would need to be a pond that is free from any exposure to fertilizer as a control. The experimental group would be the pond exposed to fertilizer. In both ponds, the amount of algae would need to be collected.
iv) The experimental procedure could take place over a certain period of time. After even increments of time, I would calculate how much algae is in each pond, perhaps by measuring the area that the algae is covering. After the experimental period, I would compare the amount of algae between the two groups.
v) The results that would validate my hypothesis would be if there was more algae in the pond that was exposed to fertilizer.
c) One action that the neighbor could take to recover the pond would be to stop using the fertilizer.
Work Step by Step
A) Excess nutrients cause eutrophication. Eutrophication causes algal blooms.
B) i) The hypothesis is a debatable if/then statement. ii) The variable being tested is the way in which the hypothesis can be proven true or false. iii) The data is the specific method in which the hypothesis can be proven true or false. iv) The procedure outlines how the data can be collected. v) This would support the hypothesis.
c) If no fertilizer was used, then no excess nutrients would enter the pond.
