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The introduction of nutrients in any biological system will stimulate plant
growth and productivity. It is for this reason that farmers apply fertilizer to
their crops, and homeowners use fertilizer and other chemicals on lawns and
gardens. In an aquatic ecosystem, nutrients act in much the same way,
stimulating growth in algae and other aquatic vegetation. However, too much
plant growth in an aquatic system can be detrimental. Apart from being a
nuisance to lakefront property owners and recreationists, it can also have a
very real impact on the water quality and fish population of a lake or stream.
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Excessive growth of plants and algae can alter the conditions and habitat for
fish and aquatic organisms. Too much vegetation can disrupt the ecological
balance between the plants and animals in the water. As the aquatic vegetation
takes over, it diminishes the suitable habitat for many animals including fish,
aquatic insects, and waterfowl. As the vegetation dies and begins to decay, this
matter consumes dissolved oxygen, depleting the oxygen available for other
organisms. Under extreme situations, the resulting decaying matter could use up
enough oxygen to literally suffocate fish and other aquatic organisms within
that lake or stream.
Nutrients can be introduced through sources such as excess fertilizer runoff,
leaks in septic systems, animal waste, discharge from sewage treatment
facilities, or decomposing plant material such as leaves or lawn clippings.
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(Click here for next concern:
Toxic Compounds)
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