What role do excess nutrients play in water quality?

Excess nutrients play a significant role in water quality by leading to nutrient pollution. When an excess of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, enters water bodies—often from sources such as agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, or nutrient-rich fertilizers—it can cause an overgrowth of algae, known as algal blooms. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to hypoxic conditions that harm aquatic life. As the algae die off and decompose, further oxygen depletion occurs, which can have devastating impacts on fish and other organisms. Additionally, some algal blooms produce toxins that can be harmful to both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Therefore, recognizing how excess nutrients contribute to nutrient pollution is crucial in understanding water quality issues and their management.