What term describes the over-fertilization of water bodies, leading to excessive growth of aquatic plants?

The term that describes the over-fertilization of water bodies, leading to excessive growth of aquatic plants, is known as eutrophication. This process typically occurs when there is an influx of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, into a water body, often from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, or other sources of nutrient pollution.

Eutrophication results in the rapid growth of algae and aquatic plants, a phenomenon commonly referred to as algal blooms. These blooms can deplete the oxygen in the water as they die and decompose, leading to hypoxic or anoxic conditions that are harmful to fish and other aquatic life.

Understanding eutrophication is essential for managing water quality and protecting aquatic ecosystems. While nutrient loading refers to the addition of nutrients to the water body and is related to the process, it does not specifically encompass the entire ecological impact that results from excessive nutrient inputs. Water pollution is a broader term that includes various forms of contamination and environmental degradation, while eutrophication specifically targets the nutrient-induced increase in biomass.