Question

Explain eutrophication.

Answer 1

Eutrophication is a major word that defines a big problem in the estuaries of the country. Harmful algal blooms, dead zones, and fish kills are the result of a mechanism called eutrophication — which occurs when the ecosystem is enriched with nutrients, raising plant and algae growth to estuaries and coastal waters.

Complete answer:

Eutrophication is a mechanism in which the body of water is excessively enriched with nutrients, contributing to the abundant growth of simple plant life.
Excessive growth (or blooming) of algae and plankton in the water body are signs of this process. >Eutrophication is known to be a major environmental problem as it also results in the degradation of the quality of water and the loss of dissolved oxygen in water bodies.
Eutrophication can be characterised as an inorganic nutrient enrichment of natural waters, leading to increased development of algae and macrophytes. Many lakes are naturally eutrophic and, in some cases, incremental eutrophication occurs as the lake matures.
The term eutrophication is more commonly recognised in relation to human activities where the artificial introduction of plant nutrients has contributed to changes in the community and to a decline in the quality of water in many freshwater systems.
This factor has become increasingly relevant with an rise in human population and a more widespread growth of agriculture and eutrophication, with other significant anthropogenic effects such as deforestation, global warming of the ozone layer and large-scale environmental disturbances due to its potentially detrimental effects on natural ecosystems.
The availability of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus inhibits the development of plant life in the ecosystem. When water bodies are excessively supplemented with these nutrients, the growth of algae, plankton, and other basic plant life is preferred by the growth of more complex plant life.
In particular, the detrimental effects of eutrophication on aquatic bodies include a reduction in biodiversity, a rise in water body toxicity and a shift in species dominance. Some of the other significant results of this process are described below.
In such cases, phytoplanktons grow much faster. These species of phytoplankton are toxic and inedible.
Gelatinous zooplankton blossoms rapidly in these waters.
Increased biomass of epiphytic and benthic algae can be seen in eutrophic waters.
Significant changes are taking place in the species composition of macrophytes and biomass.
Water loses its clarity and develops a poor smell and colour. Treatment of this water is becoming difficult.
Depletion of dissolved oxygen in the water body.
Frequent cases of fish killing occur and several suitable species of fish are eliminated from the water body.
Populations of shellfish and harvestable fish are decreased.
The aesthetic appeal of the body of water is greatly diminished.

Note: This process can be regulated by preventing the inflow of phosphorus-rich substances into water bodies. The avoidance of eutrophication also helps avoid the overuse of fertilisers and the proper channelling of agricultural waste.