Question

Explain how eutrophication can change an aquatic ecosystem into a land ecosystem

Answer 1

Eutrophication (the overenrichment of aquatic ecosystems with nutrients leading to algal blooms and anoxic events) is a persistent condition of surface waters and a widespread environmental problem. Some lakes have recovered after sources of nutrients were reduced. In others, recycling of phosphorus from sediments enriched by years of high nutrient inputs causes lakes to remain Eutrophic even after external inputs of phosphorus are decreased. Slow flux of phosphorus from Overfertilized soils may be even more important for maintaining eutrophication of lakes in agricultural regions. This type of Eutrophication is not reversible unless there are substantial changes in soil management. Technologies for rapidly reducing phosphorus content of over-enriched soils, or reducing erosion rates, are needed to improve water quality.