Which condition is typically exacerbated by nutrient pollution in aquatic systems?

Nutrient pollution, particularly from excess nitrogen and phosphorus, greatly contributes to the phenomenon known as eutrophication in aquatic systems. Eutrophication occurs when these nutrients stimulate excessive growth of algae in water bodies, often referred to as algal blooms. This rapid increase in algae can lead to several ecological problems.

As algal blooms die off, they decompose, a process that consumes dissolved oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxic conditions. These low oxygen levels can significantly harm or even kill fish and other aquatic organisms, which rely on sufficient oxygen for survival. Eutrophication is characterized not only by the overgrowth of algae but also by the subsequent changes it causes in aquatic ecosystems and the overall decline in water quality.

In contrast, while diminished fish populations, increased salinity, and higher sediment levels can be serious issues in aquatic systems, they are not direct outcomes of nutrient pollution. Diminished fish populations can result from a variety of factors, including overfishing and habitat destruction. Increased salinity is typically associated with issues such as saltwater intrusion or evaporation rather than nutrient overload. Higher sediment levels are more linked to erosion and land use practices than nutrient enrichment itself. Thus, eutrophication stands out as the primary condition exacerb