Eutrophication: What is it?

Eutrophication is a process where water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, become enriched with nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. This nutrient enrichment leads to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. The dense algal blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, causing dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive. Eutrophication is often driven by human activities, such as agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and industrial effluents, which introduce large amounts of nutrients into the water. This process can significantly disrupt aquatic ecosystems, harm fish and other wildlife, and affect water quality, making it a major environmental concern.

For more detailed information, you can refer to sources such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).