Eutrophication is a process that occurs when a body of water, such as a lake or river, becomes enriched with nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients can come from a variety of sources, including agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and fertilizer use. As a result of this nutrient enrichment, algae and other aquatic plants grow rapidly, leading to an overgrowth of plant life known as an algal bloom. When the algae die and decompose, they consume oxygen in the water, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels that can harm fish and other aquatic life. Eutrophication can have significant ecological and economic impacts, including reduced water quality, loss of biodiversity, and decreased recreational opportunities.
