Alicia W. answered 08/06/24
M.S. Environmental Management and B.S. Geosciences
Eutrophication is problematic algae growth. It is caused primarily by one or more of the following: excessive use of fertilizers, uncontrolled storm water runoff, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), failed septic systems, and loss of aquatic and vegetative biodiversity. All of these factors contribute to unbalanced environments which lead to uncontrolled growth of algae in freshwater lakes, ponds, and streams. An incidence of eutrophication may also be referred to as a Hazardous Algae Bloom (HAB).