Eutrophication is excessive growth of algae ,plants and animals in water bodies due to nutrient enrichment particularly with

Options

A. nitrogen and phosphorus
B. calcium and phosphorus
C. sodium and calcium
D. nitrogen and calcium

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Eutrophication**: Eutrophication is defined as the excessive growth of algae, plants, and animals in water bodies due to the enrichment of nutrients.

2. **Nutrient Enrichment**: The primary nutrients responsible for eutrophication are nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients often come from agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and industrial waste.

3. **Process of Eutrophication**:
- Initially, the introduction of nutrients leads to the rapid growth of algae in the water, known as algal blooms.
- As algae proliferate, they create an oxygen-rich environment, which can initially support more aquatic life, including various species of plankton and fish.
- Over time, as the algae die and decompose, the oxygen levels in the water can decrease, leading to hypoxic conditions (low oxygen levels).
- This hypoxia can cause the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, disrupting the ecosystem.

4. **Transformation of Ecosystem**: The accumulation of dead organic matter at the bottom of the water body leads to sediment formation. Over time, this sediment can transform the aquatic ecosystem into a terrestrial ecosystem, a process referred to as ecological succession.

5. **Conclusion**: In summary, eutrophication is primarily driven by nutrient enrichment, particularly phosphates and nitrates, which leads to significant ecological changes in aquatic environments.

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