1. the process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched with nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus), leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen, which harms aquatic life
Usage: environmental science term; typically used in discussions of water pollution and ecosystem degradation

Examples

• Eutrophication of the lake was caused by runoff from agricultural fertilizers.
• The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is a result of eutrophication from the Mississippi River.
• Scientists are working to prevent eutrophication by reducing nutrient pollution in coastal waters.
• Eutrophication turns clear water murky and green due to excessive algae growth.
• The process of eutrophication can take years to reverse once it begins.
• Sewage discharge accelerated eutrophication in the river system.