Question

What is eutrophication? Why does it occur?

Answer 1

Eutrophication means nutrient-richness in water bodies such as lakes that causes dense growth of plants and algae. Eutrophication mainly occurs due to run off water from land. It increases the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus content of water. This leads to an increase in the growth of algae and plants in water bodies which consequently leads to an increase in the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the water body when the plants and algae die. This increased demand of oxygen reduces the dissolved oxygen content of the water body which affects aquatic life negatively.