Eutrophication is a process where water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, become overly enriched with nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus. This nutrient overload often results from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and industrial pollution, leading to excessive growth of algae, known as algal blooms. These blooms can deplete oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.
As algal blooms die off, their decomposition consumes even more oxygen, creating 'dead zones' where fish and other marine organisms cannot survive. Eutrophication poses significant threats to biodiversity and water quality, making it a critical issue for environmental management and conservation efforts.