What impact does excessive nutrient presence have on aquatic life?

Excessive nutrient presence, particularly in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus, can lead to a phenomenon known as eutrophication. This process stimulates the overgrowth of algae in water bodies, which, when they die and decompose, consume a significant amount of dissolved oxygen from the water.

As oxygen levels decrease, aquatic life, particularly fish and invertebrates, can experience suffocation. Fish require adequate oxygen for survival, so when the availability of dissolved oxygen drops below critical levels, it can result in die-offs of various aquatic species, disrupt the ecosystem balance, and lead to a decline in overall aquatic biodiversity. The cycle of eutrophication can create hypoxic conditions, which are detrimental to most aquatic organisms, leading to a further decrease in water quality and affecting the health of the ecosystem.