Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Eutrophication is the process where water bodies become enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This phenomenon disrupts normal microbial metabolism and biogeochemical cycles.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Eutrophication often results from the runoff of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus.
Microbial communities play a crucial role in nutrient cycling during eutrophication.
Eutrophication can lead to hypoxic or anoxic conditions, negatively affecting aquatic life.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a direct consequence of eutrophication.
The decay of excess organic matter from eutrophication increases biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).
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Related terms
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): A measure of the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water.
Hypoxia: A condition where there is a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues, often linked with eutrophic waters.
Algal Bloom: A rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system, often resulting from high nutrient levels.