Organic+Matter5

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Organic Matter in Fresh Water



 * Most organic matter in a stream is algae, plankton, bits of leaves and wood, decaying organisms. This organic matter is often a significant part of the fresh water ecosystem as food.

** = How Can Organic Matter Effect WIldlife?- =
 * Lack of Nutrients- This can cause organisms to go to another part of the river or stream to find more food for them, or die.


 * Too Many Nutrients- This can cause oxygen levels to decrease dramatically.


 * 1) People increase organic matter by chopping trees and the fall in creeks
 * 2) When people build dams it often increases the amount of build up in organic matter such as Algae, leaves, wood, etc.
 * 3) Also when they dump pollutants into the streams it can kill plants and as a result decreasing organic matter