Written by: RuqiA Shaheen D.I Khan
Article: Nutrient Pollution, A Major Cause of Eutrophication. Nutrient pollution, a form of water pollution, often from agricultural runoff,
sewage, and fertilizers, is a primary contributor to eutrophication. It leads to an excess of
nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in water bodies, fueling excessive growth of algae and
other aquatic plants. As these plants die and decompose, they consume oxygen, leading to
oxygen depletion in the water, which can harm aquatic life.
Stormwater runoff from urban areas can carry nutrients from lawns, gardens, and streets into
water bodies.Some industries release nutrients into water bodies through their effluent discharge,
such as from food processing plants or chemical manufacturing facilities.
Airborne pollutants containing nitrogen and sulfur can be deposited into water bodies through
precipitation, contributing to nutrient pollution.
Addressing these sources through better management practices and regulations is crucial for
reducing nutrient pollution and mitigating its impacts on aquatic ecosystems and implementing
land use policies that prioritize protecting sensitive water bodies and minimizing nutrient runoff
from development activities.
Read More: Light pollution on the environment:
Increasing awareness among the public about the impacts of nutrient pollution and promoting
actions individuals can take to reduce their contribution, such as proper fertilizer use and
responsible disposal of household chemicals.
Nutrient pollution can be reduced by applying fertilizers in the proper amount, at the right
time of year and with the right method can significantly reduce how much fertilizer reaches
water bodies. Keeping animals and their waste out of streams keeps nitrogen and phosphorus out
of the water and protects stream banks.Constructing or restoring wetlands can act as natural
filters, trapping and removing excess nutrients from runoff before they enter water
bodies.Upgrading wastewater treatment facilities to remove excess nutrients before discharge
into water bodies can significantly reduce nutrient pollution.
Nutrient Pollution, A Major Cause of Eutrophication
