What Eutrophication is and Why Its Danger

Sustained algal bloom which is a rise in the quantity of a microalgae species could cause eutrophication. Eutrophication is a process which may happen in rivers, shallow lakes and other water bodies when the addition of extra nutrients from fertilizers causes a heavy growth of algae (Sharma,2011). Once the algae die, they are decomposed by bacteria decreases the concentration of oxygen in the water, so that aerobic organism might not survive. “Red tides” are “blooms” formed by Dinoflagellates. In these blooms, the cell might be so awesome as to colour the sea domestically, red, ruddy, yellow, or brown. Dinoflagellate blooms, forming terribly massive patches may stain the ocean up to several square kilometers. The dinoflagellate blooms tend to form red tides usually at areas protected against strong winds. Majority of these blooms are toxin producers, resulting in fish kills and several other marine creatures. Not all algae blooms are destructive even if it is red in colour. There are blooms of Ceratium furca in Perak, Lumut, and Penang which does not release toxins even though it contains the characteristic red tide impact (Tan,2014).

Climate change generates perfect conditions for microalgae to develop. Microalgae not only flourish in warm water from increased temperatures but also grow more rapidly on the surface of the warmer water rather than the cooler water at the bottom. This is also harmful because this photosynthetic organism can get sunlight easily on the surface of the water, and grow indeed more rapidly. Besides, rising concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide are also advantageous to the development of microalgae. An altar in climate also influences precipitation rates and forms. Increasing temperatures will escalate the water cycle by promoting evaporation. More storms would be formed contributing to drying over a few terrestrial zones. This postures an issue when increased precipitation and storms cause more frequent nutrient contamination. Hence, fertilization of arable land, disposing of sewage, industrial wastages, use of cleansers, broad animals farming are some of the actions that are responsible for the anthropogenic input of nutrients (Bennett,2017).

There are several disadvantages to eutrophication. Blooms are accountable for the death of fishes and several other aquatic creatures, mainly because they diminish the amount of oxygen in the water. As bulky populations of microalgae and other organisms reproduce, die off, and their remains fill the bottom of the lake or ocean. Bacteria that decay these dead organisms consuming oxygen in the process. Since most aquatic animals need oxygen as much as land-based animals, the final effect of eutrophication is the creation of an area (dead zone) where no aquatic animals can survive (Lallanilla,2018). They impact unpleasant taste and emit foul smell to the water, making it unsuitable for drinking and breathing purposes. Besides, Cyanophyte blooms have long been associated with animal poisoning. Toxins of Anabaena blooms have been termed as anatoxins. Alkaloids found in anatoxins are acutely toxic and produce neurological symptoms within minutes of ingestion. Toxins found in the blooms of dinoflagellates are responsible for neurotoxic shellfish poisoning in humans, fishes, and sea (Sharma,2011).