primary production and eutrophication - 7.10.24

Eutrophication

Nutrient increase stimulating aquatic plant growth.

Primary Production

Rate of organic matter generation in ecosystems.

Nutrients

Essential elements, mainly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P).

Chl a

Chlorophyll a, indicator of phytoplankton biomass.

Eutrophic State

High nutrient concentrations, poor water clarity.

Natural Eutrophication

Gradual aging of lakes from sediment accumulation.

Human-induced Eutrophication

Accelerated nutrient input from agricultural runoff.

Hypoxia

Low oxygen levels in aquatic environments.

Dead Zones

Areas with insufficient oxygen for aquatic life.

Harmful Algal Blooms

Toxic phytoplankton blooms affecting ecosystems.

Coastal Upwelling

Nutrient-rich waters brought to the surface.

Pycnocline

Layer preventing oxygen from penetrating deeper waters.

Bio-control

Using fish introductions to manage eutrophication.

Ecological Impacts

Effects on species composition and ecosystem health.

Deltas

Nutrient-rich areas often experiencing natural eutrophication.

Gelatinous Zooplankton

Increased presence due to nutrient enrichment.

Water Transparency

Clarity of water, affected by algal blooms.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Oxygen available in water, critical for aquatic life.

Sargassum Belt

Region of floating seaweed, affected by eutrophication.

Louisiana Shelf

Area with severe hypoxia, impacting marine life.

Mississippi Delta Dead Zone

Second largest dead zone, summer O2 <2 mg/L.