What is eutrophication?

Eutrophication refers specifically to the enrichment of water bodies with dissolved nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. This increase in nutrient levels can lead to an overgrowth of algae, known as algal blooms. When these blooms die and decompose, it can result in a decrease in oxygen levels in the water, leading to hypoxia or dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive. This process often occurs in coastal areas due to runoff from land, which carries fertilizers and other nutrient-rich substances into lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Understanding eutrophication is crucial because it has significant ecological impacts, including the disruption of aquatic ecosystems, harm to fish and other marine organisms, and the potential for toxins to enter the food web. Recognizing the consequences of nutrient enrichment helps in the development of strategies to manage and mitigate water quality issues.