What is eutrophication?

Eutrophication refers to the process where water bodies receive an excess of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. This nutrient influx usually comes from sources such as agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and industrial effluents. When nutrient levels increase significantly, it promotes the rapid growth of algae, leading to a phenomenon known as algal blooms.

These algal blooms can disrupt the balance of aquatic ecosystems; they may block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, reducing photosynthesis and oxygen levels in the water. As algae die and decompose, the decomposition process further consumes oxygen, which can create hypoxic conditions or "dead zones" that threaten the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms.

Understanding eutrophication is crucial because it highlights the impact of human activities on water quality and biodiversity, emphasizing the need for proper environmental management to mitigate its effects.