Eutrophication is primarily caused by an excess of what?

Eutrophication is primarily caused by an excess of plant nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, which often originate from agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and industrial waste. When these nutrients accumulate in water bodies, they promote the overgrowth of algae, a phenomenon known as algal bloom. This excessive growth can deplete oxygen levels in the water as the algae die and decompose, leading to detrimental effects on aquatic life, such as fish kills and a decline in biodiversity.

The process significantly impacts water quality and can create dead zones where aquatic organisms cannot survive due to lack of oxygen. Understanding the relationship between nutrient loading and eutrophication is essential for developing strategies to manage water resources and protect aquatic ecosystems. In contrast, plastic waste, metal contamination, and pesticides can contribute to environmental problems but do not primarily drive the eutrophication process.