Decaying Lakes: Origins and Control of Eutrophication (Principles and Techniques in the Environmental Sciences)

A comprehensive introduction to eutrophication, the process by which the water quality of lakes deteriorates as a result of their increased levels of nutrients. (These nutrients, however, also increase the fertility of lakes.) The process normally takes centuries, but is accelerating as a result of man's activities in catchment areas. The book is divided into three parts. The first part looks at basic causes and control strategies; the second considers conflict between the natural environment and man's influence; the third presents the scientific basis of our understanding of both eutrophication and its control.