What is eutrophication?

• A. A process by which nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, become highly concentrated in a body of water, leading to increased growth of algae or cyanobacteria
• B. A process of freezing bodies of water
• C. A process of removing nutrients from water
• D. A process of reducing water pollution by dilution

Answer: (C)

Eutrophication is the nutrient enrichment of a body of water, especially with phosphorus and nitrogen, which triggers rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria. When these algal blooms become extensive, they can block sunlight for aquatic plants beneath and, as the algae die and decompose, bacteria consume a lot of oxygen. This can lead to reduced dissolved oxygen, harming fish and other life and often creating dead zones. The defining feature is the buildup of nutrients that fuels the excessive plant and algal growth, not the removal of nutrients, freezing, or merely diluting pollutants.