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Eutrophication in Freshwater Ecosystems: Impacts of Nutrients, Groundwater, and Climate Change
Perović, Marija
Obradović, Vesna
Mitrinović, David
Mitrović, Tatjana
The eutrophication presents the natural response of freshwater ecosystems to increased nutrient inputs. It is noticed that uncontrolled algal growth is intensified by global warming, leading to deterioration of water quality. The sources of high nitrate and phosphate concentrations are usually caused by improper fertilization techniques, inadequate manure storage, and untreated wastewater impact. Due to increased content of organic matter in water bodies, its subsequent decomposition leads to oxygen depletion, pH decrease, and creates hypoxic or anoxic conditions, resulting in fish mortality and ecosystem destabilization. The phenomenon of blooming reduces light penetration, increases turbidity, and leads to layering of the water body, making it unsuitable for drinking or irrigation. In the case of harmful algal toxins appearance, the risks to aquatic life, livestock, and human health are significant. Although it is often acknowledged that surface nutrient loads are the primary causes of eutrophication, groundwater influx during surface water recharge should also be considered. The content of nitrogen and phosphorus can be further increased if the surface water recharges with nutrient-enriched groundwater, maintaining eutrophic conditions even during times when surface inputs are reduced. This kind of nutrient-loaded recharge can prolong algal blooms, disrupt natural self-purification processes, and decrease the effectiveness of lake management techniques like sediment management, biological restoration, nutrient load reduction, and algal bloom control. Sediment temperature has a significant impact on nutrient cycling. The temperature increase induces microbial activity, thus organic matter content and consequently releases phosphate (PO₄³⁻) and ammonia (NH₄⁺) from sediments. Because of longer stratification periods and higher microbial activity, summertime usually sees the most obvious nutrient release from sediments. The seasonal peaks are prolonged, and nutrient retention is increased by rising global temperatures. The intensification of eutrophication brought on by climate change reflects precipitation patterns, with heavy rains increasing nutrient-rich discharge and droughts lowering water exchange. Disturbed patterns of oxygen saturation, water layering and stratification impact biodiversity, and usabilitof water, emphasizing the need for climate-adaptive strategies to protect freshwater resources.
engleski
2025
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