Overview
Eutrophication is a significant environmental issue that arises from nutrient pollution, primarily from agricultural runoff and wastewater. This process leads to excessive growth of algae, which can deplete oxygen levels in water bodies, resulting in hypoxia and harming aquatic life. Understanding t...
Key Terms
Example: Eutrophication can cause lakes to become green and murky.
Example: The algal bloom in Lake Erie was visible from space.
Example: Hypoxia can lead to fish kills in affected areas.
Example: Fertilizer runoff is a major source of nutrient pollution.
Example: Rain can cause agricultural runoff that leads to eutrophication.
Example: Eutrophication can reduce biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems.
Related Topics
Water Quality Management
Focuses on maintaining and improving the quality of water resources.
intermediateAquatic Ecosystems
Studies the interactions and relationships within water-based ecosystems.
intermediateNutrient Cycles
Explores how nutrients move through ecosystems and their importance.
intermediateKey Concepts
nutrient pollutionalgal bloomshypoxiawater quality