Difference between revisions of "What causes eutrophication?"
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[[Image:Naturalrunoff.jpg|thumb|right|150px|<small>Natural eutrophication</small>]] | [[Image:Naturalrunoff.jpg|thumb|right|150px|<small>Natural eutrophication</small>]] | ||
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The main causes of eutrophication are''' an increase in the concentration of nutrients''' in an ecosystem. A distinction is sometimes made between 'natural' and 'cultural' ([[anthropogenic]]) eutrophication processes. | The main causes of eutrophication are''' an increase in the concentration of nutrients''' in an ecosystem. A distinction is sometimes made between 'natural' and 'cultural' ([[anthropogenic]]) eutrophication processes. | ||
'''Natural eutrophication''' has been occurring for millennia. It is the process of addition of [[nutrients]] to water bodies, including lakes, rivers, estuaries and oceans resulting in changes to the primary production and species composition of the community. This process occurs over extended periods of time that are typically geological time scales. [[Image:Fertilizerrunoff.jpg|thumb|right|150px|<small>Cultural eutrophication (use of fertilizers in agriculture)</small>]] | '''Natural eutrophication''' has been occurring for millennia. It is the process of addition of [[nutrients]] to water bodies, including lakes, rivers, estuaries and oceans resulting in changes to the primary production and species composition of the community. This process occurs over extended periods of time that are typically geological time scales. [[Image:Fertilizerrunoff.jpg|thumb|right|150px|<small>Cultural eutrophication (use of fertilizers in agriculture)</small>]] | ||
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These activities come from many diverse sources including agriculture, [[agriculture]], septic tanks, urban wastewater, urban stormwater runoff, industry, and fossil fuel combustion. Nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates enter aquatic ecosystems via the air, surface water, or groundwater. | These activities come from many diverse sources including agriculture, [[agriculture]], septic tanks, urban wastewater, urban stormwater runoff, industry, and fossil fuel combustion. Nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates enter aquatic ecosystems via the air, surface water, or groundwater. | ||
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===Trophic status=== | ===Trophic status=== | ||
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The stage at which the process of eutrophication is at any given time in a particular water body is useful to describe the status of the water body. The following terms are used: | The stage at which the process of eutrophication is at any given time in a particular water body is useful to describe the status of the water body. The following terms are used: | ||
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Rich in nutrients, very productive in terms of aquatic animal and plant life and showing increasing signs of water quality problems[[Image:lake.png|thumb|left|300px|<small>Example of an eutrophic lake</small>]] | Rich in nutrients, very productive in terms of aquatic animal and plant life and showing increasing signs of water quality problems[[Image:lake.png|thumb|left|300px|<small>Example of an eutrophic lake</small>]] | ||
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Revision as of 08:15, 13 November 2012
Introduction
The main causes of eutrophication are an increase in the concentration of nutrients in an ecosystem. A distinction is sometimes made between 'natural' and 'cultural' (anthropogenic) eutrophication processes.
Natural eutrophication has been occurring for millennia. It is the process of addition of nutrients to water bodies, including lakes, rivers, estuaries and oceans resulting in changes to the primary production and species composition of the community. This process occurs over extended periods of time that are typically geological time scales.Cultural eutrophication is the process that speeds up natural eutrophication because of human activity. These activities come from many diverse sources including agriculture, agriculture, septic tanks, urban wastewater, urban stormwater runoff, industry, and fossil fuel combustion. Nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates enter aquatic ecosystems via the air, surface water, or groundwater.
Trophic status
The stage at which the process of eutrophication is at any given time in a particular water body is useful to describe the status of the water body. The following terms are used:
Oligotrophic
Low in nutrients and not productive in terms of aquatic animal and plant life.
Mesotrophic
Intermediate levels of nutrients, fairly productive in terms of aquatic animal and plant life and showing emerging signs of water quality problems
Eutrophic
Rich in nutrients, very productive in terms of aquatic animal and plant life and showing increasing signs of water quality problems
Hypertrophic
Very high nutrient concentrations where plant growth is determined by physical factors. Water quality problems are serious and almost continuous.
References
Walmsley RD, 2000. A Review and Discussion Document. Perspectives on Eutrophication of Surface Waters: Policy/Research Needs in South Africa. Water Research Commission. Project K8/360
