What phenomenon is caused by fertilizer leeching and leads to an unnatural abundance of nutrients in lakes?

Eutrophication is the phenomenon that occurs when excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, enter water bodies like lakes. This often results from agricultural practices where fertilizers leach into nearby waterways due to rainfall or irrigation. The increased levels of nutrients promote the rapid growth of algae, known as algal blooms. While initially, this may seem beneficial, it ultimately disrupts the ecosystem by depleting oxygen levels in the water and harming aquatic life, potentially leading to fish kills and a decline in biodiversity. This process highlights the importance of managing nutrient levels in agriculture to protect aquatic ecosystems.