What does artificial eutrophication result from?

Artificial eutrophication is primarily the result of human activities that introduce excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, into aquatic ecosystems. This process typically occurs due to agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and the use of fertilizers that lead to nutrient overload in water bodies like lakes and rivers.

When these nutrients accumulate, they promote algal blooms, which can block sunlight and deplete oxygen levels in the water when the algae die and decompose. This can lead to severe ecological consequences, such as the creation of dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive.

Natural nutrient cycling, seasonal temperature changes, or the introduction of new plant species can influence ecosystems but do not specifically lead to the nutrient overload characteristic of artificial eutrophication. Therefore, human activities are the key drivers behind this phenomenon.