(N/A) Eutrophication is the natural aging of a lake by biological enrichment of its water.
Due to the addition of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus,which encourage the growth of aquatic organisms,the accumulation of organic remains over time leads to the shallowing of the lake.
Over the centuries,silt and organic debris pile up at the bottom of the lake,encouraging the growth of marsh plants in the shallow areas and beginning to fill in the original lake basin.
Eventually,large masses of floating plants grow,and the lake is finally converted into land.
The pollutants from human activities,such as effluents from industries and homes,radically accelerate the aging of the lake. This phenomenon is called Cultural or Accelerated Eutrophication.
Main contaminants include nitrates and phosphates that act as plant nutrients.
They increase the growth of algae,causing unsightly scum and unpleasant odours,and depleting the dissolved oxygen in the water,which is essential for other aquatic life.