EUTROPHY Meaning and
Definition
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Eutrophy is a term used in the field of environmental sciences, specifically in the study of aquatic ecosystems, to describe a state of high productivity or nutrient enrichment. It refers to the condition of an ecosystem or body of water that has an abundant supply of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, which promote the rapid growth of plants, algae, and other primary producers. This excessive nutrient availability fuels a proliferation of biological activity, leading to an increased production of organic matter.
In a eutrophic ecosystem, the nutrient levels surpass the ecosystems' needs, resulting in an excessive growth of plants and algae. This excessive growth can have several negative impacts on the ecosystem. Large algal blooms can occur, blocking sunlight from reaching deeper water layers and negatively affecting the ability of other aquatic organisms to survive. The excessive organic matter produced by the algal growth can also deplete oxygen levels in the water through decomposition, leading to hypoxic or anoxic conditions that are harmful to many forms of aquatic life.
Eutrophication is often caused by human activities, such as the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater, agricultural runoff, or the use of fertilizers. These sources introduce excessive nutrients into aquatic systems, disrupting the natural balance and leading to eutrophication.
Efforts to mitigate eutrophication include reducing nutrient inputs into affected ecosystems, implementing better wastewater treatment processes, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices to minimize nutrient runoff.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EUTROPHY
- wutrophy
- sutrophy
- dutrophy
- rutrophy
- 4utrophy
- 3utrophy
- eytrophy
- ehtrophy
- ejtrophy
- eitrophy
- e8trophy
- e7trophy
- eurrophy
- eufrophy
- eugrophy
- euyrophy
- eu6rophy
- eu5rophy
- euteophy
Etymology of EUTROPHY
The word "eutrophy" is derived from the combination of two Greek words. The first part is "eu", which means "good" or "well". The second part is "trophe", which means "growth" or "nutrition". Combined, the word "eutrophy" refers to a "good" or "well-nourished" condition. In ecological terms, eutrophy specifically refers to the condition of a body of water when it has an excessive amount of nutrients, resulting in excessive plant growth and a decrease in oxygen levels.
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