Eutrophication, Climate Change, Invasive Species

A collection of key terms and definitions related to eutrophication, climate change, and invasive species affecting marine environments.

Eutrophication

The addition of excess nutrients to a body of water, often due to sewage, fertilizers, and fossil fuel combustion.

Hypoxia

A condition where the dissolved oxygen (DO) level in water is less than or equal to 2 mg O2/l, leading to harmful effects on aquatic life.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB)

Rapid increases in algae that can produce toxins harmful to marine life and human health.

Dead Zones

Areas in aquatic environments where oxygen levels are so low that marine life cannot survive, typically characterized by less than 0.5 mg O2/l.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions, significantly impacting marine environments and species.

Invasive Species

Non-native species introduced to a new area that can disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species or reproducing rapidly.

Ocean Acidification

The process by which decreasing pH levels in ocean waters, due to increased CO2 absorption, adversely affect marine organisms.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)

The amount of oxygen required by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water, which can lead to decreased dissolved oxygen levels.

Nutrient Pollution

The addition of excessive nutrients into waterways, which exacerbates problems like eutrophication and dead zones.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic plant-like organisms in the ocean that are a fundamental component of the marine food web but can proliferate excessively due to nutrient input.