What does eutrophication lead to in aquatic environments?

Eutrophication is a process that occurs when water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. This nutrient overload typically stems from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and other anthropogenic (human) activities.

As the nutrient levels increase, it stimulates the rapid growth of algae in a phenomenon known as algal blooms. While these blooms can initially seem beneficial or even aesthetically pleasing, they have serious ecological consequences. When the algae die, they decompose in a process that consumes significant amounts of dissolved oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) conditions.

This decline in oxygen levels severely affects aquatic life, particularly fish and other organisms that rely on oxygen for survival. As a result, many fish populations may decline or even die off, leading to a less diverse aquatic community. Furthermore, the presence of algal blooms can also result in the release of toxins that are harmful to both aquatic life and humans, further complicating the ecological balance.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of eutrophication. For instance, an increase in fish populations is unlikely when oxygen levels drop due to algal blooms, and a decrease in nutrient levels contradicts the very definition of eutroph