Nutrients and Eutrophication

• Plant nutrients include nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)

• All organisms need these to survive, grow, and reproduce

• Excess amounts of these nutrients in lakes and streams contribute to a problem known as eutrophication

  • Nutrients enter aquatic ecosystems from point sources (wastewater treatment plants), nonpoint surface runoff, and the atmosphere
  • Excess nutrients cause excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants
  • The large amount of plants eventually die and are decomposed by bacteria and fungi
  • The decomposers remove dissolved oxygen from the water creating lower DO values or even anoxic conditions

• the data suggest that Caddo Lake is becoming more eutrophic

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