GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Nutrient pollution, a form of water pollution, is a primary cause of eutrophication of surface waters, in which excess nutrients, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, stimulate algal and aquatic plant growth. A common visible effect of eutrophication is algal blooms.

Detailed explanation-2: -Nutrient pollution, particularly from excess nitrogen in the form of nitrate, is often considered by scientists to be a main culprit of these algal blooms. Seeping into our freshwater from aging wastewater systems and agricultural fields, nitrate provides fuel for algae to grow in places like estuaries.

Detailed explanation-3: -High rates of agricultural runoff can cause large quantities of nitrates and phosphates to enter the water system. When added to a water body, these nutrients can create a large proliferation of algae which is harmful to water quality.

Detailed explanation-4: -Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the water causes algae to grow faster than ecosystems can handle. Significant increases in algae harm water quality, food resources and habitats, and decrease the oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive.

Detailed explanation-5: -Too much phosphorus can cause increased growth of algae and large aquatic plants, which can result in decreased levels of dissolved oxygen– a process called eutrophication. High levels of phosphorus can also lead to algae blooms that produce algal toxins which can be harmful to human and animal health.