What is one significant consequence of eutrophication in aquatic systems?

One significant consequence of eutrophication in aquatic systems is the decrease in water clarity. Eutrophication occurs when excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, enter water bodies, often due to runoff from agriculture and urban areas. This nutrient overload leads to algal blooms, where rapid growth of algae densely populates the water. As these algae proliferate, they can block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, disrupting photosynthesis and leading to a decline in submerged vegetation.

The presence of these algal blooms often results in turbid water conditions, which drastically diminishes water clarity. Reduced clarity can have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem, affecting both aquatic plants and animal life by decreasing photosynthetic activity and altering habitats. In habitats where clarity is essential for the survival of certain species, this decrease can lead to reduced biodiversity and negatively impact the overall health of the aquatic environment.