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Understanding Eutrophication: A Natural Process with Human Impact

Explore the process of eutrophication, a natural aging of bodies of water accelerated by human activities. Learn how excess nutrients lead to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Discover the history of Lake Erie's revival from the brink of 'death' due to eutrophication.

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Understanding Eutrophication: A Natural Process with Human Impact

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  1. Eutrophication

  2. Process of Eutrophication • natural process of the aging of a body of water • As more nutrients enter the water more organisms live and die and add their organic molecules to the decaying / recycling process • Bodies of water evolve from oligotrophic to eutrophic

  3. Process continued • Eutrophication can be accelerated by human activities • Increasing levels of nitrates and phosphates • Detergents • Sewage • Fertilizers from agricultural runoff

  4. “death” of Lake Erie, 1960’s • Large amounts of detergents and fertilizers dumped in to lake • Caused increase of algae growth • Algal bloom • The decomposition of dead algae uses tremendous amounts of oxygen causing death to fish and other organisms at higher trophic levels

  5. “death” of Lake Erie, continued • Lake Erie declared “dead” • Prompted a ban on phosphates in detergents in the late 1960’s • Within a decade, Lake Erie rebounded • Still suffers from other forms of pollution

  6. Impacts of eutrophication • As oxygen levels deplete from decomposers, other aerobic organisms suffer and die contributing to the decomposition process (Positive Feedback) • Can lead to “death” of a body of water • Decrease in species diversity • Stagnant putrid water

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