Eutrophication

Eutrophication is the enrichment of water with nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. It can stimulate excessive algal growth, whose decay depletes dissolved oxygen.

Nutrient loading: The addition of nutrients to an ecosystem through natural processes or human activities. It supplies the nitrogen and phosphorus that initiate eutrophication.
Agricultural runoff: Water flowing from farmland that carries soil, fertilizers, manure, or pesticides into nearby waters. It transports fertilizer and manure nutrients into lakes and rivers.
Nutrient management: The planning and control of nutrient inputs to reduce losses to air and water. It targets the fertilizer and waste sources that drive eutrophication.
Fish kill: A sudden mass mortality of fish, often caused by environmental stress or low oxygen. Severe oxygen depletion from eutrophication can kill fish and other aquatic animals.
Oligotrophic lake: A lake with low nutrient concentrations, low productivity, and typically clear water. It contrasts with nutrient-rich, highly productive eutrophic waters.
Algal bloom: A rapid increase in algae or cyanobacteria in aquatic environments. Nutrient enrichment can trigger blooms that shade water and later decay.
Sewage: Wastewater containing human waste and other household or industrial discharges. Untreated or insufficiently treated sewage adds nutrients to receiving waters.
Wastewater treatment: Processes that remove contaminants from wastewater before it is discharged or reused. Advanced treatment can remove nitrogen and phosphorus before discharge.
Benthic zone: The ecological region at the bottom of a body of water, including its sediment surface. Oxygen loss and organic deposits alter habitat on the aquatic bottom.
Mesotrophic lake: A lake with intermediate nutrient levels and biological productivity. It represents a middle trophic state between oligotrophic and eutrophic conditions.

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