A condition of low oxygen levels in water or air that can stress or kill organisms. In aquatic environments, hypoxia often results from eutrophication and creates dead zones where most marine life cannot survive.
From Greek 'hypo' (under, below) and 'oxys' (sharp, oxygen), literally meaning 'low oxygen'. Originally a medical term from the early 20th century, it was adopted by environmental scientists to describe oxygen-depleted water bodies.
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