Artificial eutrophication refers to the process by which water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, become overly enriched with nutrients, primarily phosphorus and nitrogen, due to human activities. This phenomenon is often caused by the runoff of fertilizers from agricultural land, sewage discharge, and industrial waste.
When these nutrients accumulate in the water, they promote excessive growth of algae, a condition known as algal bloom. While some algae are beneficial to the ecosystem, their rapid proliferation can lead to oxygen depletion in the water, which harms aquatic life and disrupts the balance of the ecosystem. Moreover, harmful algal blooms can produce toxins that pose health risks to humans and animals.
In summary, artificial eutrophication is primarily driven by human influence and can lead to significant ecological and environmental issues, making it a critical area of concern for water quality management.