Overview
I'm working on a biology discussion question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.
We know that fresh drinking water is essential for our survival, but what about plants? Throughout the world, irrigation (water for agriculture, or growing crops) is probably the most important use of water; about 70 percent of all the world's freshwater withdrawals go towards irrigation.
What effects do you think contaminated water (excess salts, fertilizers, etc.) might have on plants (including crops)? Think about this in relation to what you’ve learned this week about cell membranes and tonicity. Think about what's just happened to the crops in the Carolinas that were affected by hurricane Florence: many crops are likely damaged by the salt water - why??
What effect would watering crops with contaminated water have on the solute concentration outside the plants’ cells? In which direction would this make water move? What happens to the plant cells?