Nährstoffüberlastungen

Nährstoffüberlastungen, also known as nutrient overload or eutrophication in aquatic environments, refers to the excessive accumulation of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, in an ecosystem. This can occur in both terrestrial and aquatic environments, but is most commonly discussed in relation to water bodies.

In terrestrial ecosystems, nutrient overload can result from excessive application of fertilizers in agriculture, leading to nutrient leaching into groundwater and surface water. This can harm soil health and alter plant communities.

In aquatic systems, nutrient overload is a major cause of eutrophication. Sources of excess nutrients include agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and animal waste, sewage discharge, and industrial wastewater. When these nutrients enter lakes, rivers, or coastal waters, they stimulate rapid growth of algae and aquatic plants. This dense algal growth, often referred to as an algal bloom, blocks sunlight from reaching deeper water, hindering the growth of submerged vegetation.

As the algae and plants die, their decomposition by bacteria consumes large amounts of dissolved oxygen in the water. This depletion of oxygen, known as hypoxia or anoxia, can lead to widespread fish kills and harm other aquatic organisms. Eutrophication can also lead to changes in species composition, favoring organisms tolerant of low oxygen conditions and reducing biodiversity. Addressing nutrient overload often involves implementing practices to reduce nutrient input, such as improved wastewater treatment, sustainable agricultural practices, and land-use management.