Nutrients
Nutrients are chemicals that are essential to the growth, reproduction, and metabolic processes of living organisms. Aquatic ecosystems require nutrients to support the biological communities they contain. However, overabundant nutrients can contribute to various water-quality problems. Excessive amounts of nitrogen or phosphorus, or both, can promote the growth of aquatic vegetation and result in problems such as degraded water quality, altered aquatic habitats, and loss of recreational or aesthetic value.