Eutrophication - LIAS Glossary

This is a test version of the LIAS Glossary. Many definitions presented here are still in need of revision! Criticism as well as collaboration is welcome!

eutrophication (noun, pl. eutrophications; ecology term, substrate term) – nutrient enrichment. The process occurs naturally over time in all standing bodies of water (lakes, ponds, etc.). Lacking regular exchange of their water column, organic matter continuously accumulates and nutrient levels thus increase. Three stages of eutrophication are commonly be distinguished: dystrophic, mesotrophic and eutrophic. Extreme conditions that rarely occur naturally are called hypertrophic. Although originally introduced for a naturally occurring process in aqueous environments, the term became more widely used because artificial nutrient enrichment is now a widespread and common result of agricultural malpractice. Using large amount of synthetic fertilizers contributes to eutrophication not only of rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, but to entire landscapes and is a major reason for the disappearance of a flora and fauna that has adapted to low nutrient environments.

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Resources: Flora Australia Fungi