Primary Productivity: Understanding Eutrophication in Aquatic Ecosystems

Primary Productivity

Rate of generation of biomass in ecosystems.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic plants contributing 50-85% oxygen.

Eutrophication

Nutrient increase causing excessive aquatic plant growth.

Nutrients

Essential elements like nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P).

Chlorophyll a

Pigment indicating primary producer community composition.

Run-off

Water flow carrying nutrients into aquatic systems.

Biomass Bloom

Rapid increase of algae in water bodies.

Hypoxia

Low oxygen levels in aquatic environments.

Biological Oxygen Demand

Oxygen needed for decomposing organic material.

Anoxic Environment

Area with no dissolved oxygen available.

Oligotrophic Lakes

Nutrient-poor, clear water lakes.

Mesotrophic Lakes

Moderately nutrient-rich lakes over time.

Eutrophic State

High nutrient concentration leading to poor water clarity.

Detritus

Decaying organic matter increasing in eutrophic conditions.

Top-down Control

Biological regulation of ecosystem dynamics.

Bottom-up Control

Nutrient input regulation affecting ecosystem health.

Dead Zones

Areas with insufficient oxygen for aquatic life.

Coastal Upwelling

Nutrient-rich water rising to the surface.

Toxic Algal Blooms

Harmful algal growth affecting aquatic ecosystems.

Sargassum Belt

Region impacted by eutrophication affecting marine life.

Shellfish Aquaculture

Cultivation filtering phytoplankton, reducing nutrient buildup.

Seaweed Aquaculture

Growing seaweed to mitigate coastal eutrophication.

Gelatinous Zooplankton

Zooplankton increasing due to eutrophication effects.

Neurological Issues

Health problems caused by toxic algal consumption.

Economic Impact

Loss of valuable fish stocks due to eutrophication.

Water Transparency

Clarity of water affected by algal growth.

Water Retention Time

Duration water remains in an ecosystem.

Algal Toxins

Poisonous substances produced by harmful algal blooms.