Question

What is eutrophication?

Answer 1

Eutrophication:

1. Phosphorus and nitrates dissolved in water act as nutrients and accelerate the growth of algae that may form a mat on the water surface. This increased productivity is called eutrophication.
2. The algae use oxygen at night and may deoxygenate the water enough to kill the fish and other animals.
3. The algae present at the water surface may block light to the submerged plants.
4. The algae may die and sink, and feed the oxygen-consuming bacteria.
5. They may be pushed to the shore by wind and decompose, releasing foul gases such as hydrogen sulphide.
6. Pollutants from main activities can radically accelerate the aging process. This phenomenon is termed cultural and accelerated eutrophication.