Eutrophication - AP Environmental Science

Nitrification. Converts ammonia to nitrates, adding bioavailable nitrogen to water.

Disrupts trophic levels. Changes primary producers and eliminates species dependent on clear water.

Economic loss in fisheries. Reduced fish populations and water quality affect commercial fishing industry.

Clean Water Act. Federal law regulating water pollution and nutrient discharge limits.

Summer. Warm temperatures accelerate algae growth and decomposition rates.

Loss of fish habitat. Oxygen depletion eliminates suitable living conditions for many fish species.

Green surface scum. Dense algae mats float on surface creating characteristic green appearance.

Disrupts trophic levels. Changes primary producers and eliminates species dependent on clear water.

Fertilizers. Contain high concentrations of phosphorus that wash into water bodies.

Oxygen. Consumed by decomposing bacteria breaking down dead organic matter.

Hypoxia or oxygen depletion. Dead algae decomposition consumes dissolved oxygen, creating oxygen-poor conditions.

Crop rotation. Alternating crops reduces continuous nutrient depletion and runoff.

Excessive nutrient enrichment in water bodies leading to algae blooms. Occurs when too many nutrients cause rapid plant growth and ecosystem imbalance.

Phosphorus. Key limiting nutrient that triggers rapid algae growth when abundant.

Increased turbidity. Algae growth makes water cloudy and reduces light penetration.

Decreased water clarity. Algae clouds water and reduces visibility and light penetration.

Non-point source pollution. Diffuse pollution from many sources like farms and urban areas.

Reduced recreational appeal. Algae blooms and foul odors deter swimming, boating, and fishing.

Buffer strips. Vegetation strips filter nutrients from runoff before reaching waterways.

Nutrient filtration. Plants absorb excess nutrients and slow water flow to trap sediments.

They consume oxygen while breaking down algae. Bacterial decomposition of dead algae uses up dissolved oxygen.

Carries nutrients into waterways. Stormwater picks up fertilizers, pet waste, and other nutrient sources.

Algae bloom and block sunlight. Dense growth shades underwater plants, preventing photosynthesis.

Nutrient uptake by plants. Healthy vegetation absorbs nutrients before they reach water bodies.

Phytoplankton. Microscopic algae that rapidly multiply when nutrients are abundant.

They form harmful blooms. Blue-green algae produce toxins and dominate in nutrient-rich conditions.

Rising temperatures. Heat accelerates metabolic processes and algae growth rates.

They reduce nutrient flow. Vegetation along waterways absorbs nutrients and prevents erosion.

Nutrient management plans. Policies limiting fertilizer use and requiring nutrient reduction strategies.