eutrophication Definition
the process by which a body of water becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients (such as phosphates) that stimulate the growth of aquatic plant life, usually resulting in the depletion of dissolved oxygen.
Using eutrophication: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "eutrophication" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The eutrophication of the lake caused the fish population to decline.
Example
The government is taking measures to prevent eutrophication in the river.
Example
Eutrophication is a major environmental problem in many parts of the world.
eutrophication Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for eutrophication
- algal bloom
- water pollution
- over-fertilization
Phrases with eutrophication
the process by which human activity (such as agriculture and sewage discharge) accelerates eutrophication in bodies of water
Example
Cultural eutrophication has led to the formation of dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico.
hypereutrophic
describing a body of water that is excessively rich in nutrients and therefore has an overgrowth of algae and other aquatic plants
Example
The lake had become hypereutrophic due to eutrophication.
describing a body of water that is low in nutrients and therefore has a limited amount of plant and animal life
Example
The lake was once oligotrophic, but eutrophication has caused it to become more productive.
Summary: eutrophication in Brief
Eutrophication [yoo-truh-fi-key-shuhn] is the process by which a body of water becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients, leading to the growth of aquatic plant life and depletion of dissolved oxygen. It is a major environmental problem worldwide, often caused by human activities like agriculture and sewage discharge. The term extends into phrases like 'cultural eutrophication,' which describes human-accelerated eutrophication, and 'hypereutrophic,' which describes excessively nutrient-rich bodies of water.
