What cause is primarily associated with the process of eutrophication?

The process of eutrophication is primarily associated with excessive nutrients in water bodies, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. When these nutrients enter aquatic environments, often due to agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, or other anthropogenic activities, they stimulate an overgrowth of algae and aquatic plants. This rapid algal bloom can deplete oxygen levels in the water as the algae die and decompose, leading to hypoxia or even dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive.

In the context of this question, the connection of excessive nutrients to eutrophication is crucial, as it directly correlates with the biological and chemical changes that disrupt aquatic ecosystems. By managing nutrient levels in water bodies, we can mitigate the adverse impacts of eutrophication, making it a significant area of focus in environmental sustainability efforts.

The other choices, while relevant to broader environmental issues, do not directly relate to the specific process of eutrophication. Increased water temperature can exacerbate the effects of eutrophication but is not the primary cause. Pollution from plastics contributes to ecological degradation but does not lead to eutrophication in the same manner as nutrient overload. Deforestation impacts various environmental factors, including water quality and ecosystem balance, but it is not the direct cause of the nutrient enrichment that