Question

What is eutrophication and what are its effects?

Answer 1

It refers to the nutrient enrichment of water bodies, leading to a lack of oxygen and followed by the deadening of life supporting environment. It is a natural process but happens very slowly in nature. Its speed is greatly enhanced due to human activities. It may be caused by the runoff of artificial fertilisers from agricultural lands, or by the input of sewage or animal wastes. This increased nutrient content of water bodies leads to excess growth of algae. This algal bloom covers the surface of water and reduces its oxygen content.