Eutrophication.

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We are working these days in anti polluting of the natural streams. Recently we came across a new term called Eutrophication. Can someone explain what causes it and what are the dangers? And what are the remedies for it?

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3 Answers

  2. Eutrophication was recognized as a water pollution problem in European and North American lakes and reservoirs in the mid-20th century. Since then, it has become more widespread. Surveys showed that 54% of lakes in Asia are eutrophic; in Europe, 53%; in North America, 48%; in South America, 41%; and in Africa, 28%. Eutrophication is a process by which plant growth increases in a lake or pond. In time, eutrophication may cause plants to completely fill in the area where a lake or pond once stood. The accelerated growth and overcrowding of plants is due to either natural fertilizing agents that are washed from the soil, or the runoff of chemical fertilizers applied to agricultural lands. Eutrophication may also be brought about by the drainage of sewage, industrial wastes, or detergents into a body of water. Eutrophication can be human-caused or natural. Untreated sewage effluent and agricultural run-off carrying fertilizers are examples of human-caused eutrophication. However, it also occurs naturally in situations where nutrients accumulate , or where they flow into systems on an ephemeral basis. Eutrophication generally promotes excessive plant growth and decay, favouring simple algae and plankton over other more complicated plants, and causes a severe reduction in water quality. At the same time the aquatic life is in danger as the high algae production on the surface of water disallow the sunlight to penetrate inside the water. One of the best remedies for eutrophication is to divert the nitrogen and phosphorus to a different path. Planting a buffer zone of trees and shrubs around a water body removes the fertilizer before it reaches the water. 

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  3. Eutrophication occurs when the environment becomes polluted by plant nutrients such as phosphates, nitrates, etc and this leads to increased weed growth and algal (blooms)in water. This algae of bloom disrupts normal ecosystem functioning and causes many problems including use up all the oxygen in the water and this can result in the death of many aquatic organisms such as fish. The bloom or algae may also block sunlight from photosynthetic marine plants under the water surface. Some algae produce toxins that are harmful to higher forms of life and this can cause problems along the food chain and affect any animal that feeds on them. To prevent eutrophication Prevent water pollution of nearby rivers and lakes as well as groundwater and drinking water by following these: -Take great care not over use pesticides and fertilisers to prevent runoffs of the material into water sources. -Don't throw wastes into rivers, lakes or oceans; help to keep the beaches safe from any waste by cleaning or setting the dustbin everywhere if necessary. -Use environmentally households products such as washing powder or households cleaning agents. -Don't throw oils down the sink or toilets. -Conserve water by turning off the tap when necessary to prevent water shortage and reduces the amount of contaminated water that needs treatment. Remedies: To improve water quality, many water treatment methods are available and each methods has its own special application field or is suitable to improve one or more quality parameters. -Aeration by contacting water with air for uptake or release of volatile compounds in water. Release of volatile substances Oxygen in case of super saturation(raw water with algae). -Application of A carbon powder (PAC) in water treatent to remove the taste and odour that produce compounds from algae.