SIGNIFICANCE OF EUTROPHICATION
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Sewage and waste waters from industries and agriculture are rich in organic and inorganic nutrients, containing phosphorous and nitrogen to some extent.
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These nutrients favour excessive grown or “bloom” of algae which results in oxygen depletion.
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This phenomenon is called Eutrophication.
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Blue-green algae such as Anabaena, Oscillatoria, Microcystis that can tolerate eutrophication grow well and form water blooms.
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These water blooms are associated with the production of toxins like lipopolysaccharides that are harmful to the birds and fishes.
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These toxins may also cause diseases in humans. E.g. Nausea, gastroenteritis, diarrhea.
