What does eutrophication lead to in aquatic systems?

Eutrophication refers to a process typically triggered by the introduction of excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, into aquatic environments. This nutrient overload can lead to a series of ecological changes in the water body, one of the most prominent being excessive plant growth, notably that of algae. This phenomenon is often referred to as algal blooms.

As these algae proliferate, they can cover the surface of the water, blocking sunlight from reaching other aquatic plants. This not only hampers photosynthesis but, as the algae eventually die and decompose, the process consumes a significant amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. The depletion of oxygen can create hypoxic or anoxic conditions, which are detrimental to fish and other aquatic life, ultimately leading to their death.

This cascading effect results in a significant alteration of the ecosystem, where the balance of species may shift, leading to decreased biodiversity. Thus, the pervasive impacts of eutrophication contribute to excess plant growth and significant oxygen depletion, clearly highlighting the ecological challenges it presents to aquatic systems.