Eutrophication and Aquatic Ecosystems

These flashcards cover key terms related to eutrophication, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental science concepts discussed in the lecture.

Eutrophication

The process by which water bodies become enriched with nutrients, leading to increased growth of algae and other plants.

Herbicides

Chemicals used to kill or manage unwanted plants, typically weeds.

Algal blooms

Rapid increase in the population of algae in water bodies, often related to excess nutrients.

Nitrates

Chemical compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen, often contributing to eutrophication.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

The amount of oxygen that is present in water, crucial for aquatic life.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

A measure of the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms in decomposing organic matter.

Organic waste

Plant and animal materials that can decompose in water, affecting water quality.

Hypoxia

A condition in which water has low dissolved oxygen levels, harmful to aquatic life.

Turbidity

The cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles.

Clean Water Act (1972)

A U.S. federal law aimed at restoring and maintaining the integrity of the nation's waters by regulating pollutant discharges.