Why are nutrients a concern in relation to aquatic environments?

Nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems; however, their excessive presence can lead to significant environmental issues. When nutrient levels, particularly from agricultural runoff or wastewater, increase in water bodies, they can stimulate excessive growth of algae—a process known as eutrophication. This rapid algae growth can create a dense algal bloom that reduces light penetration in the water, adversely affecting aquatic plants and disrupting the entire ecosystem. As the algae eventually die off, their decomposition consumes a large amount of oxygen in the water, which can lead to hypoxic conditions that harm fish and other aquatic organisms.

Understanding the balance of nutrients is essential for maintaining healthy aquatic environments, as the benefits of nutrients can be overshadowed by their potential to cause harmful blooms and subsequent ecological imbalances.