Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients which induces excessive growth of algae. This excess algae growth eventually dies and decomposes, consuming oxygen and releasing toxins. As a result, oxygen levels in the water decrease and some aquatic life may die, creating "dead zones". Two major examples discussed are the Gulf of Mexico dead zone caused by fertilizer runoff from farming, and the Baltic Sea dead zone exacerbated by agricultural and municipal waste. Reducing nutrient inputs from fertilizers and wastewater is necessary to prevent further eutrophication.

1. Eutrophication Teodora Shaleva Velislava Mincheva Alexander Kanov 10/8