Portal:Eutrophication

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Eutrophication

Envisat satellite image of an algal bloom across the Barents Sea (Photo Credit: ESA)

Eutrophication ('eu' = true or well; 'trophy' = food) is a leading threat to water quality around the world. In the North Sea and English Channel, the phenomenon is related to two major activities: agriculture and industry. This gives an excess of nutrients (nitrates, phosphates,...) in the water. This enrichment promotes the growth of algae. A small increase in algal biomass does not have any adverse effect on the ecosystem and can even result in an increase in certain fish populations. An over-stimulation of the growth of algae (an algal bloom), however, can lead to turbidity of the water. When the algae die, the water may be temporarily low in oxygen (hypoxia) what can result in the death of many fish.

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Concept drawing

Schematic diagram of the different pathways of nutrient deposition into coastal waters and ensuing processes leading to eutrophication (algal blooms) and hypoxia (Photo credit: Dr. Hans W. Paerl)

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Learn more about eutrophication

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Eutrophication in the news

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