Zuurstofuitputting

Zuurstofuitputting, also known as deoxygenation, is a process where the concentration of dissolved oxygen in a body of water decreases. This can happen naturally or due to human activities. Natural causes include the decomposition of organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, which consumes oxygen. Stagnant water conditions can also contribute to lower oxygen levels.

Human activities are often the primary driver of significant oxygen depletion. These include the discharge of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial wastewater. These nutrients fuel the growth of algae, a process called eutrophication. When these algae die, their decomposition by bacteria uses up large amounts of dissolved oxygen. Other contributors include thermal pollution, where warm water discharged from power plants reduces the water's ability to hold oxygen, and the release of chemicals that consume oxygen.

Low oxygen levels, or hypoxia, can have severe consequences for aquatic ecosystems. Fish, invertebrates, and other oxygen-dependent organisms may struggle to survive. In extreme cases, areas with very low or no oxygen, known as dead zones, can form, leading to mass mortality events. Monitoring oxygen levels is crucial for assessing the health of aquatic environments and managing potential threats.