Eutrophy

/juːˈtrɑːfi/ noun

Definition

The condition or process of a body of water becoming enriched with excessive nutrients, leading to excessive plant growth and potential oxygen depletion.

Etymology

From Greek eu- (good) + trophē (nourishment); named to describe what was initially thought to be beneficial nutrient enrichment in aquatic systems.

Kelly Says

The term is ironic—'eu' means good, so eutrophy literally means 'good nourishment,' but ecologists discovered this 'good' nutrient boost actually harms aquatic life!

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