What does the term "eutrophication" refer to in the context of water bodies?

Eutrophication refers specifically to the process where water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, become overly enriched with nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. This enrichment often comes from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and other human activities. The surplus of nutrients stimulates excessive growth of algae, referred to as algal blooms.

These algae can proliferate rapidly and create a dense layer on the surface of the water, which can reduce light penetration and disrupt the aquatic ecosystem. As the algae die off and decompose, they consume a significant amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxic conditions that can harm or kill aquatic life. Eutrophication can severely impact water quality and biodiversity, making it a critical concern in environmental science and water quality management.

Understanding this process and recognizing its indicators is essential for water quality analysts, as managing nutrient levels in water bodies is key to preventing eutrophication and its adverse effects.