Eutrophication

Definition

Eutrophication is the excessive growth of algae and other plants due to an increase in nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) in a body of water, leading to harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Related terms

Algal Bloom: An algal bloom occurs when there is a rapid increase in the population density of algae due to eutrophication.

Nutrient Runoff: Nutrient runoff refers to excess nutrients from fertilizers or animal waste entering bodies of water through surface runoff or groundwater flow, contributing to eutrophication.

Trophic Cascade: A trophic cascade happens when changes at one trophic level (e.g., excessive algae growth) affect multiple other trophic levels in an ecosystem.