Nutrient enrichment of water bodies, primarily through excess nitrogen and phosphorus, fuels excessive plant and algal growth. This accelerated growth depletes dissolved oxygen, creating hypoxic or anoxic conditions detrimental to aquatic life. For instance, agricultural runoff carrying fertilizers into a river can trigger algal blooms, ultimately leading to fish kills due to oxygen depletion.
Understanding the link between nutrient pollution and aquatic ecosystem degradation is critical for effective water resource management. Historically, awareness of this connection grew significantly during the latter half of the 20th century as noticeable declines in water quality became evident in numerous lakes and coastal areas globally. This awareness spurred research and policy changes aimed at mitigating the sources and impacts of nutrient pollution. Recognizing the primarily anthropogenic nature of this process is fundamental to developing sustainable solutions.
