Eutrophication

Authors

Hope Northagen
Sarah Erwin, Utah State University
Ethan Gilliam, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

10-14-2025

First Page

1

Last Page

5

Abstract

Eutrophication refers to the ecological state of a water body after excessive nutrient pollution. The external introduction of nutrients (primarily nitrogen and phosphorus) accelerates the growth and reproduction of plants, algae, and microbes. This fact sheet explains where eutrophication comes from, its impacts, how it is treated, and what you can do to help restore and protect our lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Recommended Citation

Northagen, H., Erwin, S., & Gilliam, E. (2025). Eutrophication [Fact sheet]. Utah State University Extension.