Author: Sahiti Bulusu; Sources: wri.org, Unsplash

Eutrophication and Hypoxia

INTRODUCTION

Eutrophication occurs when there is an abundance of nutrients in water bodies, resulting in algal blooms and dead zones. A symptom of eutrophication is hypoxia. Hypoxia results from low oxygen levels in a water body and occurs when there are very little amounts of dissolved oxygen. This can also be caused by excess nitrates and phosphates, which then leads to eutrophication.
“Nutrients are vital. No crops can grow without nutrients. But as with most other compounds, too much in the wrong place causes problems, [such as] eutrophication” – Sari Luostarinen

ACTIVITY

Recreate Eutrophication

Materials: jars, Cheesecloth, Rubber bands, Masking tape, Pond water (pond water is best, but if it is not available water from a slow moving stream, or a lake should work as well), Spring Water (bottled water), Measuring cups and spoons, Fertilizer (powdered or granulated, like Miracle Gro), Powder Detergent containing phosphates (like Cascade), Rubber gloves // Duration: 10 minutes