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5.4 Eutrophication

5.4 Eutrophication. Connor. What is it?. excessive richness of nutrients (especially phosphates and nitrates) in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen .

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5.4 Eutrophication

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  1. 5.4 Eutrophication Connor

  2. What is it? • excessive richness of nutrients (especially phosphates and nitrates) in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen. • Occurs in slow moving rivers and lakes primarily • Eutrophic means well nourished • When effects are undesirable it is considered a form of pollution

  3. The Processes of Eutrophication 5.4.1 • Fertilizer run-off and sewage discharge flow into the body of water • Run-off builds up at the bottom of the body of water • Excess promotes plant growth (primarily algae) • High level of organic matter and decomposing organisms deplete available oxygen in the water • Causes the death of other organisms ie. fish • Over time the increased amount of sediment can raise the bed of the lake/river and allowing plants to colonize the edges eventually turning the area into dry land (in some cases)

  4. Impacts of Eutrophication5.4.2 • Species diversity decreases and the dominant biota changes • The animal and plant life of a particular region, habitat, or geological period • Plant and animal biomass increase • Turbidity increases • Turbidity is the amount of particulate matter that is suspended in water • Rate of sedimentation increases, shortening the lifespan of the lake • Anoxic conditions may develop • Anoxic waters are areas of sea water, fresh water or groundwater that are depleted of dissolved oxygen

  5. Pollution Management Strategies5.4.3 • Implement research and monitoring programs for eutrophication • Raise awareness of eutrophication • Implement regulations to reduce nutrient losses • Create incentives to encourage nutrient reducing actions ie. tax subsidies • Preserve and restore natural bodies of water that are affected by eutrophication • Create institution to enforce policies and regulations

  6. Example: Toxic Water in Toledo • What happened? Sewage from treatment plants and fertilizer from farms were discharged into the lake causing an algae bloom • The bloom was close enough to the city’s intake valve that the water being sent to the city was toxic rendering it undrinkable • Regulations have been set but officials have not mandated any restrictions as of yet.

  7. Links • Animated video • NatGeo Eutrophication Video • Eutrophication Song • BBC Bitesize Eutrophication

  8. Sources • BBC • USGS • Lenntech • WRI • NBC Toledo Water Crisis

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