Algae and plant nutrients-Nitrogen

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-001015",
  "term": "Algae and plant nutrients-Nitrogen",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "Nutrients are any substance, like nitrogen and phosphorus, assimilated by living things that promote growth. Nitrogen and/or Phosphorus (nutrients) in excessive amounts can cause aquatic plants and microbes to grow too fast, choking waterways, causing potentially harmful algae blooms, and creating low oxygen conditions that can harm fish and other aquatic life. Algae (algal growth) can occur when excess nutrients, warm water temperatures, and reduced flow trigger the overgrowth of naturally occurring algae into thick mats on or in the water. Blooms of algae can harm aquatic life by clogging fish gills, reducing oxygen levels, and smothering stream and lake beds and submerged vegetation. Some algae blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to human health, pets, wildlife, and livestock when touched, inhaled, or swallowed.",
  "subject": "Water",
  "references": [
    "How's My Waterway Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/algae-and-plant-nutrients-nitrogen/"
}