What does the term "eutrophication" refer to?

The term "eutrophication" specifically refers to the process where water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, become overly enriched with nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus. This nutrient overload typically results from runoff containing fertilizers, sewage, and industrial waste.

As a consequence of eutrophication, there's an excessive growth of algae, known as algal blooms, which can create several detrimental effects on the aquatic ecosystem. These algal blooms can block sunlight from reaching other aquatic plants, leading to their decline. Additionally, when the algae die and decompose, it can reduce oxygen levels in the water, resulting in hypoxic conditions that are harmful or fatal to fish and other aquatic life. This process can severely disrupt the balance of the aquatic ecosystem and lead to a decline in biodiversity.

Understanding this process is crucial for wastewater operators, as controlling nutrient levels in effluents is critical to preventing eutrophication and protecting water quality.