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Eutrophierung

eutrophication

noun oy-tro-FEE-roong Rare
Animals & Nature Environment

Origin: from Greek eutrophos (well-nourished)

Usage Note

Eutrophierung describes the over-enrichment of water bodies with nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus from agriculture), leading to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and fish kills. A key term in German environmental policy; Nitratbelastung (nitrate pollution) of groundwater and rivers is a recurring political controversy.

Examples

"Die Eutrophierung des Sees durch Düngemittel aus der Landwirtschaft gefährdet das Ökosystem."

Natural Translation

The eutrophication of the lake by agricultural fertilisers threatens the ecosystem.

Literal Translation

The eutrophication of the lake through fertilisers from agriculture endangers the ecosystem.

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