What does oligotrophic water lack?

Oligotrophic water is characterized by low nutrient concentrations, particularly regarding nitrogen and phosphorus, which are vital for aquatic plant growth. This limited availability of nutrients results in clear, deep waters that typically support a diverse range of aquatic life but do not have the nutrient overload that can lead to issues like algal blooms. Hence, oligotrophic waters lack excess nutrients, distinguishing them from eutrophic waters that are rich in nutrients and can suffer from overgrowth of algae and subsequent ecological imbalances. Understanding this distinction is critical in evaluating aquatic ecosystems and their health.