Which of the following is a consequence of eutrophication?

Eutrophication refers to the process where water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, often due to runoff containing fertilizers, sewage, or other pollutants. This nutrient overload stimulates excessive growth of algae, known as algal blooms. When these blooms die off, their decomposition consumes a significant amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxic or anoxic conditions—meaning that the oxygen levels become substantially depleted. This depletion has serious consequences for aquatic life, as many species of fish and other organisms depend on adequate oxygen levels to survive.

Thus, the consequence of depleted oxygen levels directly aligns with the process of eutrophication and illustrates the ecological imbalances that can occur in affected water systems. Understanding this consequence is crucial for addressing the environmental impacts of eutrophication and implementing effective management practices to protect water quality and aquatic ecosystems.