Index >> Water Pollution Microbiology >>Source of Nutrients

Source of Nutrients - Various natural sources contribute to the increased nutrient level in a water body.
Contamination by excreta of birds and animals especially of live stocks is the major source.
Gross fire accident of vegetation in an area near to the water body can also provide nutrients in the form of burned ashes.
Addition of both treated and untreated sewage into water bodies is another main cause of eutrophication.
Detergents which are rich in phosphate may enter natural water bodies.
Human excreta and industrial effluents can also add to the nutrient status.
Fertilizers applied to agricultural lands are often leached out by irrigation water and rainfall into aquatic environment which provide a direct source of nutrients.