1. Eutrophication

2. Eutrophication Nutrification (adding nutrients) to a body of water.
Nitrogen & Phosphorus
Primary Source: Inorganic fertilizers

3. Oligotrophic
NO Nutrients
New lake systems
Clear waters
No life!

4. Mesotrophic Most lakes Nutrients are limited
Plant and animal populations are balanced

5. Eutrophic Large amount of phosphorus and nitrogen present in water
Leads to algal bloom
Unlimited plant growth

6. Step One
Farmers and homeowners use nitrogen and phosphorus based fertilizers to ensure plant growth.

8. Step Two
Excess fertilizer not absorbed and assimilated into plants runs off into streams and rivers.

10. Step Three
Nitrogen and phosphorus are carried to the ocean.

11. Step Four
Nitrogen and phosphorus (limiting nutrients) are in excess and allow for a massive algal bloom.

14. Step Five
Algae’s short lifespan leads to the addition of massive amounts of detritus to coastal waters.

15. Step Six
Microorganisms including protist and bacteria (decomposers) feed on the dead algae.

16. Step Seven
Microorganisms deplete the oxygen in the water creating a “zone of hypoxia”.

20. Step Eight
Fish and other aerobic aquatic organisms die leading to a “dead zone”.

21. Journal Entry
Which two cycles are out of balance and contribute to cultural eutrophication?
What is the anthropogenic source of the excess nutrients?