EUTROPHICATION

Definition of Eutrophication.

Eutrophication is a syndrome of ecosystem responses to human activities that fertilize water bodies with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), often leading to changes in animal and plant populations and degradation of water and habitat quality. Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential components of structural proteins, enzymes, cell membranes, nucleic acids, and molecules that capture and utilize light and chemical energy to support life. The biologically available forms of N and P are present at low concentrations in pristine lakes, rivers, estuaries, and in vast regions of the upper ocean.

Pristine aquatic ecosystems function in approximate steady state in which primary production of new plant biomass is sustained by N and P released as byproducts of microbial and animal metabolism. This balanced state is disrupted by human activities that artificially enrich water bodies with N and P, resulting in unnaturally high rates of plant production and accumulation of organic matter that can degrade water and habitat quality. These inputs may come from untreated sewage discharges, sewage treatment plants or runoff of fertilizer from farm fields or suburban lawns. In some cases the climax stage of algal blooms can release toxic chemicals such as domoic acid to the aquatic environment, creating elevated metabolic risks to a variety of fish and marine mammals.

Causes of Eutrophication.

The main causes of eutrophication are:

1) Natural run-off of nutrients from the soil and the weathering of rocks

2) Run-off of inorganic fertilizer (containing nitrates and phosphates)

3) Run-off of manure from farms (containing nitrates, phosphates and ammonia)

4) Run-off from erosion (following mining, construction work or poor land use)

5) Discharge of detergents (containing phosphates)

6) Discharge of partially treated or untreated sewage (containing nitrates and phosphates)

hThe Effects of Eutrophication

The main effects of eutrophication are an:

1) Increase in plant and animal biomass

2) Increase in growth of rooted plants, e.g. reeds

3) Increase in turbidity (cloudiness) of water

4) Increase in rate of sedimentation

5) Development of anoxic conditions (low oxygen levels)

6) Decrease in species diversity

7) Change in dominant biota (e.g. carp replace trout and blue-green algae replace normal algae) and an

Increase in the frequency of algal blooms.

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Today, as the sun's relentless heat beat down on my journey home, I found solace under my trusty umbrella. Little did I know, a chance encounter with a young girl would turn this ordinary walk into a profound moment of reflection. As I strolled, shielding myself from the scorching rays, a small figure approached. The little girl slowed her pace, drawn to the protective shade my umbrella offered. Though I noticed, I feigned indifference. As we continued, her steps quickened, and it became apparent that my shade had become a welcomed refuge. In that moment, a poignant thought crossed my mind – a reflection on the parallels between this simple act and the protective nature of a higher power. Could this be akin to how God shields us, only for us to unknowingly step away due to our own human nature? With empathy in my heart, I quickened my pace to catch up with her. Closing the gap, I extended the shelter of my umbrella to cover her until she reached her destination. In that shared mome...

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