"Eutrophication: A Silent Threat to the Ecosystem" by Jaden Cho

Water is the essence of life, and preserving aquatic ecosystems is crucial for the well-being of all living organisms on Earth. Unfortunately, the increasing effects of climate change have disclosed a hidden menace - eutrophication. This environmental hazard silently transforms pure water bodies into lifeless, deoxygenated dead zones, endangering not only aquatic life but also the livelihoods and health of human populations. Recently, the frequency and duration of algae occurrence have been increasing due to climate changes and other environmental factors, so intensive attention and proactive approaches for resolution are urgently needed.

Eutrophication is a yearly recurring issue in rivers and lakes where entire bodies of water, or parts of it, become abnormally enriched with minerals and nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients promote the excessive growth of algae, forming algae blooms that deplete oxygen levels in the water. The creation of algae leads to the death of aquatic creatures and creates “dead zones” where marine life cannot survive.

Eutrophication not only harms marine life but also poses significant risks to human life by reducing oxygen levels and producing toxins. Toxins are transported as microscopic air aerosols reach households near water sources, which are prevalent threats worldwide. In 2022, concentrations of microcystins, toxic blue-green algae, in South Korea were 17.7 times higher than the standard concentration. In areas where eutrophication occurs, the residents are anxious and distrustful regarding drinking water. For example, in the Nakdong River in South Korea, serious concern has been raised as the river that serves as a primary water source for 13 million people has been contaminated by algae blooms. Furthermore, contaminated water directly impacts our consumption. As fish and crops are essential sources for humans, the foods cultivated or collected from a contaminated environment will be consumed by humans.

The eutrophication problem is difficult to resolve since the factors influencing the issue (temperature, sunlight, and nutrient availability) are limited for control. For instance, controlling the temperature of outdoor areas is nearly impossible because people cannot change or manipulate the sunlight. However, some organizations and companies started to pay attention to this pressing issue and provided helpful approaches to help improve the problem. For instance, Seoul Synthetic Biology Union (SSBU) launched a nitrate biosensor that can measure the nitrate concentration in the water and express the result in different colors (red, yellow, and green) depending on its severeness. As nitrogen enrichment is the leading cause of eutrophication, the sensor can effectively detect the prevailing nitrate concentration and alert the eutrophication status in certain areas.

Eutrophication threatens aquatic ecosystems and the well-being of humanity. The impacts of this insidious threat range from loss of biodiversity to severe economic losses and human health risks. A collective effort is required to combat eutrophication, involving governments, industries, and the people. By taking timely action against eutrophication, we can protect our precious water resources, preserve biodiversity, and secure a sustainable future.