Eutrophication is a form of water pollution and occurs when an increase in
nutrients (typically either phosphorus or nitrogen) enter the water system. An
increase in nutrients encourages the growth of algae (algal bloom) and other
aquatic plants. Competition for resources like sunlight, space, and oxygen, occurs
between the algae and plants. Once all nutrients and resources are consumed,
the increased population can no longer be supported and leads to a mass
decomposition of the algae and plants. During this decomposition, dissolved O₂
is severally depleted and can lead to anaerobic conditions.
In a few sentences, describe how the process of eutrophication can impact a
healthy stream ecosystem's macroinvertebrates.
