Eutrophication

Question 1

What is eutrophication?

Answer 1

Eutrophication is an increase in the concentration of nutrients in an ecosystem to an extent that increases the number of primary producers (algae) of the ecosystem

Question 2

What are the effects of eutrophication with regard to plants?

Answer 2

Eutrophication causes excessive plant growth and decay

Question 3

What are the effects of eutrophication with regard to algal blooms?

Answer 3

Eutrophication increases the growth of choking aquatic vegetation or phytoplankton (e.g. algal blooms)

Question 4

What are the effects of eutrophication with regard to colour?

Answer 4

Eutrophication causes the water to become a cloudy, coloured shade of green, yellow, brown, or red

Question 5

What are the effects of eutrophication with regard to human society?

Answer 5

• eutrophication decreases the resource value of rivers, lakes, and estuaries and recreation, fishing, hunting, and aesthetic enjoyment are hindered
• health-related problems can occur where eutrophic conditions interfere with drinking water treatment