Over-enrichment of nutrients in a water body chiefly due to pollution by sewage, run-off from the land, and industrial wastes (e.g. inorganic nitrates and phosphates). These compounds act as nutrients, stimulating algal growth which may result in algal blooms. Their subsequent decomposition reduces the oxygen content in the water, so killing animals with a high oxygen requirement. Much of the nitrate and phosphate settles to the bottom, to promote further growth at a later stage.

The process of enrichment of water in lakes, rivers, estuaries, seas, etc. with nutrients (carbon, sulfur, potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, and phosphorus) which leads to increased organic growth with consequent undesirable effects. These include: red, brown or blue-green algal blooms, changes in the color of the water and bad odor.

Physical, chemical, and biological changes that take place after a lake, estuary, or slow-flowing stream receives inputs of plant nutrients--mostly nitrates and phosphates--from natural erosion and runoff from the surrounding land basin. See cultural eutrophication.

the enrichment of a body of water with nutrients, resulting in excessive growth of microbes, deoxygenation, and a deterioration of the water quality for human uses.

The process by which water becomes enriched with plant nutrients, most commonly phosphorus and nitrogen.

The aging process by which lakes are fertilized with nutrients. Natural eutrophication changes the character of a lake very gradually. Cultural eutrophication is the accelerated aging of a lake resulting from human activities.

The process by which streams and other water bodies become enriched with dissolved nutrients, resulting in increased growth of algae and other microscopic plants.

Natural or artificial nutrient enrichment in a body of water, associated with extensive plankton blooms and subsequent reduction of dissolved oxygen.

The addition of nutrients to waters caused by rain water washing off excess fertiliser from agricultural land and human waste from settlements. Water plants flourish on these nutrients and oxygen in the water is depleted

Degradation of water quality due to enrichment by nutrients, primarily nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), which results in excessive plant ( principally algae) growth and decay. When levels of N:P are about 7:1, algae will thrive. Low dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water is a common consequence.

The enrichment of waters by inorganic plant nutrients which causes changes such as the increased production of algae and/or other aquatic plants, affecting the quality of the water and disturbing the balance of organisms present within it.

Adverse change in the chemical and biological status of a body of water following depletion of the oxygen content caused by decay of organic matter resulting from high primary production as a result of enhanced input of nutrients

the process of polluting a body of water with excessive nutrients, such as sewage or fertilizers. The nutrients cause an excessive growth of algae that leads to oxygen being depleted from the water (result of the decomposition of the algae).

Rehevöityminen Eutrofiering The EC definition (in the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, 1991) applies equally to fresh waters. Eutrophication is: "the enrichment of water by nutrients especially compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus, causing an accelerated growth of algae and higher forms of plant life to produce an undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms and the quality of the water concerned."

The process by which dissolved nutrients rich in nitrogen fertilize a water body, increase algae growth and strip the water of dissolved oxygen. Eutrophication leads to a decline in the number of life forms in a water body.

The process where excessive nutrients, especially nitrogen and/or phosphorus compounds, cause an accelerated growth of algae and higher forms of plant life. The result of eutrophication is an undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water and to the quality of the water concerned. This can result in low biodiversity with reduction and changes in the range of species of water invertebrates and fish species present in eutrophic waters.

the enrichment of waterbodies with nutrients, often leading to excessive plant growth and oxygen depletion.

the process whereby water bodies become biologically more productive due to an increased nutrient supply

Excessive plant and algae growth (especially in lakes) caused by elevated nutrient levels.

a natural process in which there is an enrichment of water by nutrients, causing accelerated growth of algae and higher forms of plant life.

Physical, chemical and biological changes in a water body as a result of the input nitrogen and phosphorus.

An oversupply of the essential elements necessary for growth of tiny (microscopic) floating organisms can cause them to experience a population explosion that can quickly cover the surface of the water and block sunlight from larger plants growing underwater and deplete dissolved oxygen.

Increase in the nutrient status of a water body, and consequently the rapid growth of plants, both natural and as a result of human activity.

the process resulting from an increase in nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) in water resulting in excessive bacterial growth, oxygen depletion, and a build-up of toxins.

(yoo trofe´ ik ay´ shun) [Gr. eu-: well + trephein: to flourish] • The addition of nutrient materials to a body of water, resulting in changes to species composition therein.

the over-enrichment of a water body with nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorous.

Having waters rich in mineral and organic nutrients that promote a proliferation of plant life, especially algae, which reduces the dissolved oxygen content and often causes the extinction of other organisms. Often occurs in a lake or pond.

The increase of nutrient levels (such as nitrogen and phosphorus ) in a body of water. This causes an increase in plant and algae growth which lowers its dissolved oxygen content and consequently its ability to support aquatic life.

Related Topics: [ wetlands] The process of rapid (accelerated) aging of lakes. This process is driven by high levels of plant nutrients in the lake water (from human pollution) which causes an imbalance in the lake's normal ecosystem toward lower life forms, e.g. algae.

the process by which a lake becomes rich in dissolved nutrients and deficient in oxygen, occurring either as a natural stage in lake maturation or artificially induced by human activities such as the addition of fertilizers and organic wastes from runoff.

The process of nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems. In marine systems, eutrophication results principally from nitrogen inputs from human activities such as sewage disposal and fertilizer use. The addition of nitrogen to coastal waters stimulates algal blooms and growth of bacteria, and can cause broad shifts in ecological communities present and contribute to anoxic events and fish kills. In freshwater systems and in parts of estuaries below 5 ppt salinity, phosphorous is likely to be the limiting nutrient and the cause of eutrophic effects.

The process of artificial enrichment of water bodies, usually by pollutants or agricultural fertiliser run-off, which leads to over activation of the water-dwelling bacteria and microscopic life which in turn decreases oxygen levels in the water and causes many species of plants and animals to be lost from the water body.

Over-enrichment of a waterway with nutrients, which can lead to excess algal growth and sometime algal blooms

The enrichment of water with nutrients, usually phosphorous and nitrogen, which stimulates the growth of algal blooms and rooted aquatic vegetation.

enrichment of natural waters with inorganic nutrients (ammonia, nitrate, phosphate) by which phytoplankton growth is stimulated. Eutrophication leads to increased biomass, decomposition in the worst cases resulting in oxygen depletion and mass mortality.

The process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients, especially phosphates and nitrates, which typically promote excessive growths of algae. As the algae die and decompose, high levels of organic matter and the decomposing organisms deplete the water of available oxygen, causing the death of other organisms, such as fish. Eutrophication is a natural, slow-aging process for a water body, but human activity greatly speeds up the process.

The over-enrichment of an aquatic habitat with inorganic nutrients, typically from sewage discharge or agricultural chemicals.

The process of a water body becoming anaerobic, ie without oxygen.

The process by which lakes become increasingly nutrient-rich and shallow. It is a natural process that is accelerated by water pollution.

Describes an increase in the nutrient levels of water (fresh or marine) either artificially or naturally

The process of increasing nutrient and decreasing oxygen supply within a water body. This process is detrimental, if not fatal, to aquatic wildlife.

is the process whereby the concentration of nutrients in rivers, estuaries, and other bodies of water increases and results in anaerobic (lack of oxygen) conditions in the water column. The increase of nutrients stimulates algae "blooms" as the algae decays and dies, the availability of dissolved oxygen is reduced resulting in high BOD; as a result, creatures living in the water accustomed to aerobic conditions perish.

The fertilization of surface waters by nutrients that were previously scarce. Eutrophication through nutrient and sediment inflow is a natural aging process by which warm shallow lakes evolve to dry land. Human activities are greatly accelerating the process. The most visible consequence is the proliferation of algae. The increased growth of algae and aquatic weeds can degrade water quality.

A naturally occurring process that human intervention has greatly sped up. As bodies of water age plants become more productive and create nutrients. Agricultural runoff is one way in which humans spur nutrient pollution, leading to excessive algal blooms and lowered oxygen supply in lakes and rivers. (see http://www.umanitoba.ca/institutes/fisheries/eutro.html and http://toxics.usgs.gov/definitions/eutrophication.html for further discussion.)

The acceleration of the loading of nutrients to a lake by natural or human-induced causes. The increased rate of delivery of nutrients results in increased production of algae and consequently, poor water transparency. Human-induced (cultural) eutrophication may be caused by input of treated sewage to a lake, deforestation of a watershed, or the urbanization of a watershed.

process by which a wetland becomes overloaded with mineral and organic nutrients (disturbed soil or animal waste run-off), thus reducing the oxygen.

The process by which a water body becomes more productive over time.

an increase in the organic production of an ecosystem, usually associated with very high rates of nutrient supply.

A process in which a water body becomes rich in dissolved nutrients, often leading to algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and changes in the composition of plants and animals in the water body. This occurs naturally, but can be exacerbated by human activity which increases nutrient inputs to the water body.

defined as the process in which an enrichment of nutrients cause an excess phytoplankton bloom in aquatic systems.

Addition of excessive nutrients (usually nitrates or phosphates) to a body of water, leading to overgrowth of aquatic plants.

nutrient enrichment in a stream, lake, or other water body that stimulates excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants and leads to reduced dissolved oxygen levels.

accumulation of nutrients in lakes and other bodies of water that causes rapid growth of vegetation; usually resulting from human activity.

changes that occur after a water body receives nutrient inputs; usually includes high biological productivity resulting in reduced visibility of the water and decreased oxygen supply

The dying off of organisms in a lake or pond due to an overabundance of algae which consume all of the dissolved oxygen in the water. This usually happens when the water becomes rich in mineral and organic nutrients, often due to run off of fertilisers from farms.

The discharge of excess nutrients (such as phosphates) promotes the proliferation of certain types of algae in water. As a result, the oxygen content falls and other animal and plant species are asphyxiated.

a natural aging process for ponds and lakes; this is accelerated by nutrients and warmth, leading to excessive algae growth.

High levels of nutrients lead to a high level of algae growth. It is natural for some lakes to go through a phase of, or be eutrophic. However pollution is leading to excessive eutrophication which reduces light and oxygen availability in the water. This leads to a reduction in or elimination of some species.

Excessive nutrients which causes high plant growth. Often resulting in nuisance algal blooms, turbid waters and subsequent decay and decomposition of the plants.

the process by which a body of water becomes overloaded with nutrients (such as fertilizers), that leads to an excessive growth of algae and a severe depletion of oxygen and light.

nutrient enrichment of a body of water; called cultural eutrophication when accelerated by introduction of massive amounts of nutrients by human activity

The process of nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems such that productivity of the system ceases to be limited by the availability of nutrients. It occurs naturally or may be acceleratedby human activity eg sewage disposal.

A reduction in the amount of oxygen dissolved in water. The symptoms of eutrophication include blooms of algae (both toxic and non-toxic), declines in the health of fish and shellfish, loss of seagrass beds and coral reefs, and ecological changes in food webs.

The process whereby a waterbody becomes rich in organic nutrients, particularly phosphate and nitrate, that promote the growth of algae. The rapid growth of algae depletes the waterbody of oxygen and impedes the survival of other species.

The enrichment of water with nutrients that increase plant growth.

the process whereby receiving waters become hyper-enriched by nutrient inputs, resulting in excessive plant growth and oxygen depletion.

Enrichment of an aquatic system via the addition of nutrients, leading to oxygen depletion, loss of native aquatic species and the introduction of introduced species.

see eutrophic; the natural aging cycle of lakes, normally taking centuries to accomplish, but can be accelerated when outside sources of nutrients are added such as wastewater, fertilizer or feed lot runoff.

The natural aging process of water bodies, by siltation and organic decomposition, which reduces both water volume and oxygen levels. Surface run-off or airborne deposition of nitrogen and phosphorus accelerate this.

The enrichment of water in watercourses and lakes by chemical substances, especially compounds of nitrogen and phosphorous.

A high concentration of organic matter and mineral nutrients, such as phosphates and nitrates, can cause the over-fertilization of aquatic ecosystems. This results in excessively high levels of production and decomposition. Eutrophication can hasten the aging process of a pond or lake due to the rapid buildup of organic remains.

a process of nutrients in water causing algae (microscopic plant) growth

a rapid increase in algae or plant growth in an aquatic system due to the influx of a limiting nutrient that was previously in short supply.

Enrichment of waters with nutrients, primarily phosphorus, causing abundant aquatic plant growth.

Nutrient enrichment (nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon) from sewage effluent, runoff, or atmospheric deposition to surface waters. This process can increase the growth potential for algae and aquatic plants. Excessive eutrophication can leave waterbodies devoid of most life, impede navigation, and result in aesthetic nuisances.

The process whereby nutrients accumulate in a body of water.

Anthropogenically caused build-up of nutrients that causes natural nutrient inbalance in an ecosystem and may alter its structure.

Natural eutrophication is the process by which lakes gradually age and become more productive. It normally takes thousands of years to progress. However, the creation of a dam and a reservoir can greatly accelerate this process. Eutrophication in these situations can be water pollution caused by the decomposition of excessive plant nutrients.

A process of nutrient (mainly phosphorus and nitrogen) enrichment whereby water bodies gradually become more densely populated with vegetation and algae.

A process by which a water body becomes rich in dissolved nutrients, often leading to algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and changes in community composition. Eutrophication occurs naturally, but can be accelerated by human activities that increase nutrient inputs to the water body.

Eutrophication refers to the extreme nutrient enrichment of aquatic systems.

Natural process by which waterbodies are enriched with nutrients, increasing the production of algae and macrophytes. Urbanization can accelerate this process when lakes, ponds, and wetlands are incorporated into the stormwater system.

The enrichment of water by nutrients, especially nitrogen and/or phosphorous, which cause accelerated growth of algae and high plant life. Eutrophication can lead to changes in the ecological balance of the water body and deterioration in water quality.

The accumulation of plant nutrients (fertilizer) such as nitrogen and phosphorus components in a habitat or ecosystem. Up to a point, eutrophication increases biological productivity of a system, but eutrophication can easily overwhelm the ability of the system to process the plant growth and subsequent decay, causing cloudy waters and lowering of critical oxygen levels. A raw sewage spill is an extreme example of eutrophication, but runoff of garden fertilizers to streams and lakes can be plenty damaging.[ J K U V X Y Z

The process by which a water body becomes over-enriched with nutrients. While this is a naturally occurring process, it generally results in a less-diversified and less-desirable water body.

nutrient enrichment, usually with nitrogen and phosphate

Over enrichment of a water body with nutrients, resulting in excessive growth of organisms and reduction in oxygen.

The increase of biomass of a water body leading to infilling of the basin and the eventual disappearance of open water. Eutrophication essentially refers to the aging process of a waterbody.

A condition in aquatic ecosystems where high nutrient concentrations stimulate blooms of algae, thereby resulting in low dissolved oxygen levels in the water.

The process of surface water nutrient enrichment causing a water body to fill with aquatic plants and algae. The increase in plant life reduces the oxygen content of the water. Eutrophic lakes often are undesirable for recreation and may not support normal fish populations.

the enrichment of water as a result of introduction of nutrients, often casing excessive growth of aquatic plants

The process by which lakes and streams are enriched by nutrients (usually phosphorus and nitrogen) which leads to excessive plant growth.

Enrichment of bodies of water by nitrates and phosphates from organic material or the surface runoff. This increases the growth of aquatic plants and can produce algal blooms that deoxygenate water and smother other aquatic life.

The process by which a waterbody becomes over-enriched with nutrients. While this is a naturally-occurring process, it can be accelerated by human activities and generally results in a less-diversified and less-desirable waterbody.

The increasing fertility of water bodies (usually anthropogenic) through nutrients in drainage water, often leading to anaerobiosis and death of animal organisms.

when a pond goes bad due to the addition of two many nutrients; algae proliferate, oxygen levels plummet, and animals die off.

The process by which dissolved nutrients fertilize a water body and can increase algae growth to undesirable levels where dissolved oxygen disappears

Enrichment of a water body with nutrients, resulting in excessive growth of phytoplankton, seaweeds, or vascular plants, and often depletion of oxygen.

the natural process by which lakes and ponds become enriched with dissolved nutrients, resulting in increased growth of algae and other microscopevaporation

An overgrowth of weeds or algae in a waterway due to an excess of nutrients in a waterway. This may initially support higher fish populations, but the death and decay of water plants can deplete the water of oxygen, resulting in fish kills.

A naturally occurring process in which nutrients accumulate within a body of water causing an increase in algae and other organisms. Agricultural run-off and sewage effluent can accelerate the process adversely affecting water quality.

what happens to lakes and rivers if too much nitrate gets into the water. Nitrates are from fertilisers. The nitrates encourage algae to grow. This cuts out light to water plants that live below the surface. Without light, the plants die and rot away. This removes all the oxygen in the water and all life in the water dies

"Runaway" growth of aquatic plants that occurs when agricultural fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen run off into lakes and ponds; also ultimately increases the plant death rate with the result that the bacterial decomposition of the dead plants uses up oxygen, causing Þsh and other organisms to suffocate.

Over-enrichment of a body of water as a result of excessive nutrient loading, often resulting in depletion of dissolved oxygen.

The natural or artificial process of nutrient enrichment whereby a waterbody becomes filled with aquatic plants and low oxygen content. The low oxygen level is detrimental to fish.

The enrichment of natural waters by nutrients (nitrates and phosphates in particular); it causes the very rapid growth of algae which, when they die and decay, consume large amounts of oxygen. The water is then depleted of oxygen, and fish and aquatic life die.

The process of enrichment of water bodies by nutrients.

The process by which the nutrient content of a body of water increases and dissolved oxygen decreases.

The process caused by an increase in the nutrient status of a body of water. Occurs naturally with increasing age of a waterbody, but more rapidly as a by-product of human activity.

The gradual increase in nutrient concentration in a body of water. Eutrophication is a natural process, which happens gradually over time; however, it can be accelerated through the actions of human activity. An increase in nutrients leads to an increase in primary production. When the plants die the decomposition process depletes the water of oxygen resulting in anoxic conditions, thus rendering the environment unsuitable for most species of aquatic organisms.

Excessive nutrient inflows into streams, wetlands, and lakes (from fertilisers and other chemicals, animal waste, septic tanks), causing algal growth, a decrease in oxygen, and other negative impacts.

a process in which organic matter accumulates in a body of water until eventually it fills in and becomes dry land.

the process by which a body of water (often shallow) becomes (either naturally or by pollution) rich in dissolved nutrients with a seasonal deficiency in dissolved oxygen

The accumulation of nutrients in lakes and other bodies of water, causing rapid growth of algae, which deplete the water of oxygen.

process by which waters become enriched with nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus which stimulate the growth of aquatic flora and/or fauna

The process of nutrient enrichment of a body of water, usually leading to growth and proliferation of large masses of plant material (phytoplankton, macrophytes or both).

Process of nutrient enrichment of water that increases plant growth and results in depletion of dissolved oxygen. A natural process that can be caused/enhanced by an increase in nutrient loads or decreased flushing rates resulting from human activity.

A body of water that is nutrient rich; abundance of surface plants and algae; little or no dissolved oxygen

the process by which a body of water becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients (as phosphates) that stimulate the growth of aquatic plant life usually resulting in the depletion of dissolved oxygen

A condition in an aquatic ecosystem where high nutrient concentrations stimulate blooms of blue-green algae. Algal decomposition may generate odors and lower dissolved oxygen concentrations. Although eutrophication is a natural process in the aging of lakes, it is accelerated by point and nonpoint pollutant loads.

The process by which a body of water becomes rich in dissolved nutrients (specifically, nitrogen and phosphorus), promoting the overgrowth of aquatic vegetation and leading to a subsequent deficiency in dissolved oxygen (USVI Conservation District, 1995).

The process whereby a body of water becomes rich in dissolved nutrients through natural or man-made processes. This often results in a deficiency of dissolved oxygen, producing an environment that favors plant over animal life.

The natural aging process of surface waters (such as rivers, streams, reservoirs) through enrichment by nutrients. Eutrophication is accelerated by people's activities; in the end, eutrophication results in the complete filling and drying up of a water body.

is the process by which a body of water becomes rich in dissolved nutrients through human-created or chemical processes (such as runoff laden with chemical fertilizers used in agriculture). This often results in a deficiency of dissolved oxygen, producing an environment that favors plant over animal life.

a process by which an excess of plant nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorous) reduces the oxygen dissolved within a body of water, producing an environment that does not readily support aquatic life.

An overgrowth of aquatic plants caused by an excess of nitrates, nitrites and phosphates. It results in a shortage of oxygen in the water, causing the death of aquatic life.

The addition of nutrients to a body of water. Accelerated by human activities, abundant growth of aquatic plants may consume much of the dissolved oxygen, making the lake uninhabitable for the previous diversity of fish and other aquatic life.

stands for increased growth of fauna. In waterways it is manifest as turbidity, increased growth of aquatic plants and as excessive growth of plankton algae and filamentous algae in shore areas.

The process by which a body of water acquires nutrients. This leads to excessive plant growth, and low water clarity.

Over-enrichment of a water body with nutrients, resulting in excessive growth of organisms and depletion of oxygen concentration.

the process of a lake, pond, or slow-moving stream, in which organic material accumulates and slowly replaces oxygen. Eventually, the body of water fills in and becomes dry land. In recent years, this process has been accelerated by plant or algae growth in many bodies of water, encouraged by environmental pollution from such sources as detergents containing phosposrus, the leaching of fertilizers, sewage and toxic dumping, and heated water from the cooling systems of power plants and other industries.(Source: Mintzer, 1992). Federal Land Manager (FLM): the Secretary of the Department with authority over such lands. [40 CFR 51.166(b)(24)] The FLM role for the Department of the Interior has been delegated the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks; the FLM role for the Department of Agriculture has been delegated to the Forest Service, and has been redelegated to the Regional Forester or individual Forest Supervisor.

The enrichment of water by nutrients, especially compounds of nitrogen and phosphorus, that will accelerate the growth of algae and higher forms of plant life. This enrichment may interfere with the normal ecological balance of the receiving waters.

Biological phenomenon of excessive nutrient load, heightened vegetative growth and subsequent low dissolved oxygen levels in water ecosystems.

process by which large additions of nutrients causes an overgrowth of algae and subsequent depletion of oxygen

The natural or artificial addition of nutrients to a body of water resulting in increased growth of plants. Acts as an aging process in a body of water and may cause decreases in dissolved oxygen. Accelerated aging of lakes by human activity is called cultural eutrophication.

The process of becoming rich in nutrients.

The accumulation of excessive concentrations of plant nutrients in water courses leading to a bulkd up of algae.

(Eutrophisation) Rapid increase in the nutrient status of a water body, natural or occurring as a by-product of human activity. Excessive production leads to anaerobic conditions below the surface waters.(Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication, 2002.)

The undesirable overgrowth of vegetation caused by high concentrates of plant nutrients in bodies of water.

the alteration of a lake through the biological enrichment of the water; sewage and agricultural and industrial wastes can act as plant nutrients, over- stimulating algae growth, causing unsightly scum and unpleasant odours, and robbing the water of dissolved oxygen vital to other aquatic life

an environmental condition where excess nutrients, in the form of nitrogen, are introduced into a water body leading to increase growth of micro and macroalgae.

A process, in which an excess of nutrients stimulates the growth of various algae and microscopic organisms in vast quantities. When they die they create a vaste volume of detritus. The decomposition of this detritus by bacteria uses much of the oxygen dissolved in the water. As the dissolved oxygen levels drop fish suffocate and many aquatic animals are killed.

Eutrophication is the enrichment of a water body with nutrients - such as nitrates - which results in excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants, leading to depletion of oxygen. Useful products from air

the slow, natural process of aging of a lake, estuary, or bay. Dissolved nutrients enter the water body, often leading to excess plant growth and decreased water quality. As the plants die, they are decomposed by microorganisms which use up dissolved oxygen vital to other aquatic species such as fish. Over very long periods of time, the decaying plant matter builds up and causes the lake to fill in and form a bog or marsh. Cultural eutrophication speeds up this natural process.

Excessive levels of aquatic plant growth (including algae) resulting from raised levels of nutrients and other factors.

The physical, chemical, and biological changes associated with enrichment of a body of freshwater due to increases in nutrients from a variety of sources.

is an excessive growth of organisms and oxygen depletion which is caused by the enrichment of water by nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus

the process by which lakes and streams are enriched by nutrients, and the resulting increase in plant and algae growth. This process includes physical, chemical, and biological changes that take place after a lake receives inputs for plant nutrients--mostly nitrates and phosphates--from natural erosion and runoff from the surrounding land basin. The extent to which this process has occurred is reflected in a lake's trophic classification: oligotrophic (nutrient poor), mesotrophic (moderately productive), and eutrophic (very productive and fertile).

The process of increasing the mineral and organic nutrients which reduces the dissolved oxygen available within a water body. This condition is not desirable because it encourages the growth of aquatic plants and weeds, is detrimental to animal life, and requires further treatment to meet drinking water standards.

increase in nutrient levels; this may be a natural process, but if it is excessive can cause deterioration in water quality since it can result in algal blooms, etc. If caused by human action it may be referred to as cultural eutrophication

The process where, due to excessive amounts of nitrates and phosphates, bodies of water experience an excessive algae bloom.

The aging process by which lakes are fertilized with nutrients. Natural eutrophication will very gradually change the character of a lake. Cultural eutrophication is the accelerated aging of a lake as a result of human activities.

the enrichment of waters by inorganic plant nutrients. These nutrients are especially nitrogen and phosphorus and are a result of an increase in nutrients due to human activities.

the positive feedback process by which nutrient enrichment of aquatic systems ultimately results in the death of fish and macroinvertebrates due to suffocation. During this process, elevated nutrient levels in streams cause increased growth of aquatic plants. These plants eventually die and accumulate on the streambed. Microbes that decompose these plants use oxygen, therefore the decomposition of the excess plant material leads to an increased consumption of oxygen dissolved in the water. The decrease in available oxygen can lead to the death of plant-eating aquatic organisms like fish and macroinvertebrates. The death of plant-eating organisms results in an even greater increase in plant biomass availble for decomposition by microbes. This ultimately leads to an even greater decrease in the amount of oxygen dissolved in the stream water.

Aging process by which nutrient additions to a water body initially lead to additional growth of aquatic organisms which may eventually consume all available dissolved oxygen.

The slow aging process during which a lake, estuary, or bay evolves into a bog or marsh and eventually disappears. During the later stages of eutrophication the water body is choked by abundant plant life due to higher levels of nutritive compounds such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Human activities can accelerate the process.

Enrichment of a water body with nutrients, resulting in excessive growth of phytoplankton, seaweeds and some animals. This may happen naturally but is often a form of pollution. The algal growth can smother bottom plants reducing light intensity, or cause deoxygenation of bottom layers of water.

Process by which pollutants cause a body of water to become over-rich in organic and mineral nutrients, so that algae grow rapidly and deplete the oxygen supply

The increase in the nutrient levels of a lake or other body of water; this usually causes an increase in the growth of aquatic animal and plant life.

Eutrophication is when the concentration of nutrients in a waterway increases; this occurs when sewage, fertilizers, or sediments enter the water. This increase in the concentration of nitrogen and/or phosphorous may result in an algal bloom (an overabundance of blue-green algae that depletes the water of oxygen, killing other organisms).

Enrichment of a water body with plant nutrients; usually resulting in a community dominated by phytoplankton.

Nutrient over?enrichment of a water body resulting in overgrowth of algae, frequently followed by algae die?offs and oxygen depletion.

The process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of plant nutrients, especially nitrates or phosphates. This nutrification promotes algae growth that, when it dies, can lead to the depletion of dissolved oxygen, killing fish and other aquatic organisms. While eutrophication is a natural, slow-aging process for a body of water, human activities can greatly accelerate the process.

changes in water chemistry and ecological structure that occur in surface water bodies as they become eutrophic or over enriched in nutrients.

Excessive enrichment of waters with nutrients, and the associated adverse biological effects.

Eutrophication is caused by the decrease of an ecosystem with chemical nutrients, typically compounds containing nitrogen or phosphorus. It may occur on land or in the water. Eutrophication is frequently a result of nutrient pollution such as the release of sewage effluent into natural waters (rivers or coasts) although it may occur naturally in situations where nutrients accumulate (e.g. depositional environments) or where they flow into systems on an ephemeral basis (e.g. intermittent upwelling in coastal systems).