Eutrophication: Challenges and solutions

Abstract

On the hydrological map of the world eutrophication has become the primary water quality issue. The excessive enrichment of waters with anthropogenic sources of nutrients especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) lead to the transformation of oligotrophic water bodies to mesotrophic, eutrophic, and finally hypertrophic. Mesotrophic and eutrophic phases exhibit intermediate and rich levels of nutrients and show increasing and serious water quality problems, respectively. Eutrophication restricts water use for fisheries, recreation, industry, and drinking because of increased growth of undesirable algae and aquatic weeds and the oxygen shortages caused by their death and decomposition. Associated periodic surface blooms of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) occur in drinking water supplies and may pose a serious health hazard to animals and humans. Anthropogenic activities are the worst culprit of nutrient enrichment and root cause of eutrophication of water bodies. Excess nutrient inputs to water bodies usually come from sewage, industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, construction sites, and urban areas. Eutrophication can be minimized by regulating the nutrient sources, reducing the use of fertilizers, proper soil management practices, implementing mathematical models, phytoremediation etc. Among these, public awareness of eutrophication can play an important role in preventing the eutrophication of water bodies.