rehevöityneisiin

Rehevöityneisiin is a Finnish term that translates to "eutrophied" or "overgrown with vegetation" in English. It describes a process where a body of water, such as a lake or river, becomes excessively enriched with nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus. This nutrient enrichment typically originates from human activities, including agricultural runoff containing fertilizers, sewage discharge, and industrial wastewater.

When excess nutrients enter an aquatic ecosystem, they stimulate rapid and abundant growth of algae and aquatic plants. This phenomenon is known as algal blooms or excessive plant growth. These blooms can have several detrimental effects. They can deplete dissolved oxygen levels in the water as the plants and algae decay, leading to hypoxic or anoxic conditions that are harmful or fatal to fish and other aquatic organisms. Dense algal blooms can also block sunlight from reaching submerged vegetation, hindering its growth and affecting the entire food web. Furthermore, some algal blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to both aquatic life and humans.

The visual appearance of a eutrophied water body is often characterized by murky, green, or discolored water, and a significant increase in floating plant material or algal mats. Addressing eutrophication involves reducing nutrient inputs through improved wastewater treatment, sustainable agricultural practices, and controlling runoff from urban areas. It is a significant environmental concern globally, impacting water quality, biodiversity, and the recreational and economic value of aquatic resources.