Which nutrients are primarily associated with eutrophication?

Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This often results in a depletion of oxygen in the water, which can harm aquatic life. The primary nutrients associated with this phenomenon are nitrogen and phosphates.

Nitrogen is a key nutrient that often comes from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharges, and atmospheric deposition. It serves as an essential element for plant growth and can lead to algal blooms when available in excess.

Phosphates, which are typically found in fertilizers, detergents, and agricultural runoff, are also critical in promoting the growth of algae. When there is an abundance of phosphates in the water, it can significantly accelerate the rate of eutrophication.

While organic carbon is essential for aquatic ecosystems, it is not the primary factor in eutrophication, which focuses more on nitrogen and phosphorus compounds.

Therefore, the combination of nitrogen and phosphates accurately reflects the nutrients chiefly responsible for the eutrophication process. This makes the selection of nitrogen, phosphates, and organic carbon the most relevant and appropriate choice to highlight the main nutrients involved in this environmental issue.