What primarily contributes to the creation of algae blooms in water bodies?

The primary factor leading to the creation of algae blooms in water bodies is increased nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients often come from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, or stormwater, which introduces excessive amounts of fertilizers and organic matter into the water. When nutrient levels rise significantly, it creates an environment conducive to the rapid growth of algae, leading to blooms that can deplete oxygen levels in the water, block sunlight essential for other aquatic plants, and produce toxins harmful to aquatic life and human health.

Understanding the role of nutrients in promoting algae growth is crucial for water treatment operators, as managing nutrient inputs can help mitigate the risks associated with harmful algal blooms. Other factors like sunlight, temperature, and salinity may influence algae growth, but they are not the primary drivers like nutrient levels are. For instance, while sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis, an excess of nutrients is what triggers the increase in algal populations most significantly.