Excessive nutrient loading can lead to which type of ecological consequence?

Excessive nutrient loading, particularly from sources such as fertilizers, wastewater, and runoff, significantly alters the aquatic ecosystem. This process leads to an overabundance of nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, which in turn stimulates the rapid growth of algae in water bodies—a phenomenon known as algal blooms.

These algal blooms can have severe ecological consequences, including the depletion of oxygen in the water when the algae die and decompose. This process can result in hypoxic or anoxic conditions, which are detrimental to fish and other aquatic life. Moreover, some algal blooms can produce toxins that harm marine organisms, disrupt food webs, and pose health risks to humans and animals. Thus, the link between excessive nutrient loading and the occurrence of algal blooms underscores the critical impact of nutrient management in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.