EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -An overabundance of nutrients-primarily nitrogen and phosphorus-in water starts a process called eutrophication. Algae feed on the nutrients, growing, spreading, and turning the water green. Algae blooms can smell bad, block sunlight, and even release toxins in some cases.

Detailed explanation-2: -Nitrogen and phosphorus exist naturally in aquatic ecosystems, but human activities such as the use of fertilizers, wastewater management, fossil fuel burning, and runoff from use of soaps and detergents introduce excess nutrient pollution into ecosystems faster than it can adapt.

Detailed explanation-3: -Eutrophication occurs when the water body becomes overly enriched with nutrients. Various factors like excessive use of fertilisers, untreated sewage, usage of detergents containing phosphorous and industrial discharge of waste may contribute to eutrophication.

Detailed explanation-4: -Nutrient pollution is one of America’s most widespread, costly and challenging environmental problems, and is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the air and water. Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients that are natural parts of aquatic ecosystems.