eutrophication

Examples of eutrophication in the following topics:

• The Phosphorus Cycle

  • Most bodies of water gradually become more productive over time through the slow, natural accumulation of nutrients in a process called eutrophication.
  • However, overgrowth of algae due to phosphorous fertilizer is called "cultural eutrophication" or "hypertrophication," and is generally negative for ecosystems .

• The Nitrogen Cycle

  • A major effect from fertilizer runoff is saltwater and freshwater eutrophication: a process whereby nutrient runoff causes the excess growth of microorganisms, depleting dissolved oxygen levels and killing ecosystem fauna.

• The Phosphorus Cycle

  • These zones can be caused by eutrophication, oil spills, dumping of toxic chemicals, and other human activities.

• Nitrate Reduction and Denitrification

  • Denitrification is also important in biological wastewater treatment, where it can be used to reduce the amount of nitrogen released into the environment, thereby reducing eutrophication.

• Properties of Nitrogen

  • Synthetically produced nitrates are key ingredients of industrial fertilizers and key pollutants causing the eutrophication of water systems.