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Chemistry · Glossary

What is Eutrophication?

Definition 32.12 University Chemistry — Year 3 · Chapter 32 — Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology

Eutrophication is the enrichment of a water body with nutrients, chiefly phosphorus and nitrogen, leading to excessive growth of algae and plants, then to oxygen depletion when they decay.

Nutrient flows into and within a lake. Phosphorus, often the limiting nutrient in fresh water, accumulates in the sediment and returns to the water when the bottom loses its oxygen, which can sustain blooms for years after the inputs are cut.
Nutrient flows into and within a lake. Phosphorus, often the limiting nutrient in fresh water, accumulates in the sediment and returns to the water when the bottom loses its oxygen, which can sustain blooms for years after the inputs are cut.
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