What are the results of nutrients influx?

Answer 1

Direct and indirect ecological impacts of nutrient enrichment include increased primary productivity, increased phytoplankton biomass, reduction in water clarity, increased incidences of low oxygen events (hypoxia and anoxia), and changes in the trophic structure, trophic interactions, and trophodynamics of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthic communities. Harmful algal blooms may become more frequent and extensive. Coral reefs and submerged macrophytic vegetation, such as seagrass beds and kelp beds, may be degraded or destroyed. Fish kills may occur, and more importantly, subtle changes in ecological structure may lead to lowered fishery production. Generally, nutrient over-enrichment leads to ecological changes that decrease the biotic diversity of the ecosystem.