Which of the following best describes the transfer of phosphates and the impact on the environment and human health? Phosphates decrease the growth of algae in surface water bodies, and an overpopulation of fish in surface water bodies occurs. Detergents containing phosphates are carried from land to water by rain, contaminating drinking water and causing digestive problems in humans. Leaky septic tanks transfer phosphates into the groundwater and are converted into nitrites in the human body, which are poisonous and could be fatal for infants. Nitrates increase the amount of organic substances in water and lowers the amount of dissolved oxygen, killing fish.