Eutrophication

Eutrophication is the process where water bodies, like lakes and rivers, become overly rich in nutrients, often due to runoff from fertilizers, sewage, or detergents. This excessive nutrient input stimulates rapid growth of algae, leading to algal blooms. When the algae die, their decomposition depletes oxygen in the water, creating "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive. Eutrophication can harm fish populations, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade water quality, making it a significant environmental concern that impacts both biodiversity and human activities like fishing and recreation.