Science glossary film: Eutrophication

An overabundance of nutrients in a body of water, causing excessive plant growth. The extra nutrients often come from fertilisers used in agriculture, which are washed into rivers or streams by rain. This triggers rapid algae growth. As a result, there is a drop in oxygen levels, killing fish and other aquatic organisms, creating dead zones in which nothing can survive.

The extra nutrients often come from fertilisers used in agriculture, which are washed into rivers or streams by rain. This triggers rapid algae growth. As a result, there is a drop in oxygen levels, killing fish and other aquatic organisms, creating dead zones in which nothing can survive.