Which factor is NOT typically considered a contributing element to eutrophication?

Eutrophication is primarily driven by an excess of nutrients in water bodies, commonly resulting from human activities. This excess leads to overgrowth of algae and subsequent depletion of oxygen levels, which can harm aquatic life.

Fertilizer runoff, sediment from erosion, and wastewater discharge are all significant contributors to this process. Fertilizer runoff introduces high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, essential nutrients that promote algae blooms. Sediment from erosion can carry additional nutrients into water systems, further fueling eutrophication. Wastewater discharge often contains nutrients, contributing to the nutrient load in water bodies.

In contrast, invasive species do not typically add nutrients directly or contribute to the nutrient dynamics that cause eutrophication. While invasive species can impact aquatic ecosystems and may alter the balance of native species, they do not inherently provide the nutrient overload that defines eutrophication. Thus, they are not considered a primary factor in this phenomenon.