Question

What are the 4 steps of eutrophication?

Answer 1

Eutrophication:

1. Eutrophication is the gradual enrichment of an entire body of water, or sections of it, with minerals and nutrients, typically nitrogen and phosphorus.
2. It leads to excessive growth of algae and planktons.
3. They limit the light penetration in the water body.
4. When they die the dissolved oxygen is depleted to decompose them and creates a hypoxic or anoxic zone.
5. The lake or the water body can no longer support life.

Steps of eutrophication:

1. Nutrient enrichment that occurs due to runoff from agricultural fields etc.
2. Rapid growth of algae and other planktons resulting in an algal bloom.
3. Dissolved oxygen depletion and toxin generation.
4. Aquatic species die as a result of the loss of oxygen and the production of dangerous poisons.