What is eutrophication:
Eutrophication is the excessive enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, often due to runoff from agriculture, sewage, and industrial waste. This leads to excessive growth of algae, known as algal blooms.
Ways eutrophication can affect the marine environment:
Oxygen Depletion : When algae die and decompose, bacteria consume large amounts of oxygen, creating dead zones where marine life cannot survive.
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs): Some algae produce toxins that harm fish, shellfish, and even humans.
Loss of Biodiversity: Low oxygen levels and toxic conditions can kill fish, coral reefs, and other marine organisms.
Disruption of Food Chains: The death of key species affects the entire ecosystem, leading to population declines.
Poor Water Quality: Cloudy, murky water reduces sunlight penetration, affecting aquatic plants and disrupting habitats.
THE END
What are the differences between natural and cultural (human-induced) eutrophication?
How does nutrient pollution (like nitrogen and phosphorus) fuel eutrophication?
Are there any regions particularly affected by eutrophication? Why?
What steps can be taken to prevent or mitigate the effects of eutrophication?
How does eutrophication impact human activities, such as fishing or tourism?
Can algae blooms resulting from eutrophication be harmful? If so, how?
keywords
Fertilizer runoff
Wastewater discharge
Aquatic ecosystems
Biodiversity loss
Harmful algal blooms (HABs)
Phytoplankton
Lake degradation
Water quality
Nutrient cycles
Ecosystem imbalance