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Eutrophication is a general term describing a process in which nutrients accumulate in a body of water, resulting in an increased growth of organism that may deplete the oxygen in the water. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Eutrophication may occur naturally or as a result of human actions.
Nutrient pollution, a form of water pollution, refers to contamination by excessive inputs of nutrients.It is a primary cause of eutrophication of surface waters (lakes, rivers and coastal waters), in which excess nutrients, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, stimulate algal growth. [1]
In the 1960s scientists recognized that phosphates in water caused eutrophication. [23] There was disagreement at that time about whether water with high phosphate came to have the chemical because of somehow being polluted with it. [23] By the 1970s it was established that high phosphate levels in water were a consequence of pollution. [23]
Eutrophication is an increase in the concentration of chemical nutrients in an ecosystem to an extent that increases the primary productivity of the ecosystem. Subsequent negative environmental effects such as anoxia (oxygen depletion) and severe reductions in water quality may occur.
The algae engage in photosynthesis which supplies oxygen to the fish and biota which inhabit these waters. Occasionally, an excessive algal bloom will occur and can ultimately result in fish death, due to respiration by algae and bottom-living bacteria. The process of eutrophication can occur naturally and by human impact on the environment.
Warmer water in lakes, oceans, reservoirs and rivers can cause more eutrophication. This results in more frequent harmful algal blooms. [46]: 140 Higher temperatures cause problems for water bodies and aquatic ecosystems because warmer water contains less oxygen. [51] Permafrost thawing leads to an increased flux of contaminants. [52]
Lake Winnipeg suffers from the rapid absorption of the elements phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon. Eutrophication processes fuel the growth of blue-green algae, also known by its more correct scientific name cyanobacteria. These bacteria normally appear green in color and can turn blue when the algae (bacteria) blooms are dying.
Eutrophication, a decline in oxygen content of water, of aquatic systems can cause the death of fish and other marine species. Finally, leaching of NO 3 from acidic sources can increase the loss of calcium and other soil nutrients, thereby reducing an ecosystem 's productivity.