Eutrophication
- Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water, such as a lake or pond, becomes enriched with nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen.
- This enrichment leads to an excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants.
The increased plant growth can result in several negative effects on the water body including :
Algal Blooms:
- The overabundance of nutrients stimulates the rapid growth of algae.
- This can lead to the formation of algal blooms, where large populations of algae accumulate on the water's surface.
Reduced Oxygen Levels:
- As the algae and other plants die and decompose, bacteria break down the organic matter.
- This process consumes oxygen from the water.
- In areas with intense algal growth, the demand for oxygen can exceed the supply, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the water.
- Low oxygen levels can be harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms.
- The altered nutrient levels and oxygen concentrations can favor certain species of plants and animals over others, leading to changes in the overall composition of the aquatic ecosystem.
- Thus,Eutrophication can contribute to a decline in biodiversity as some species may thrive in nutrient-rich conditions while others are negatively impacted.
