Name a pollutant that can cause eutrophication in water bodies.

Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are recognized as primary contributors to the process of eutrophication, which is the excessive growth of algae in water bodies. When these nutrients enter aquatic systems, often through runoff from fertilized lands or wastewater discharges, they promote rapid algal bloom. As the algae grow and eventually die, their decomposition consumes oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxic or anoxic conditions, which can be detrimental to aquatic life.

This process not only affects the oxygen levels but can also lead to the release of toxins from certain algae, further impacting water quality and aquatic organisms. Understanding the role of nitrogen and phosphorus in this context is crucial for managing and protecting water bodies from the adverse effects of eutrophication. Other pollutants such as heavy metals, pathogens, and agricultural chemicals can pose significant environmental risks, but they do not directly trigger the eutrophication process in the same way that excessive nutrients do.