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

Eutrophication is primarily driven by an excess of nutrients in aquatic environments, which leads to increased plant and algae growth,, often resulting in oxygen depletion and harm to aquatic ecosystems. The primary contributing factors to eutrophication are those that directly add nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, to the water.

Fertilizer runoff, sediment from erosion, and wastewater discharge all introduce nutrients into water bodies. Fertilizer runoff from agricultural fields can wash excess nutrients into nearby streams and rivers during rain events. Similarly, sediment from erosion can carry organic material and nutrients into aquatic systems, also contributing to nutrient loading. Wastewater discharge, from both residential and industrial sources, often contains high levels of nutrients that can further promote algal blooms.

Invasive species, while they can impact ecosystems in various ways, do not typically contribute directly to eutrophication. Instead, they may alter the ecological balance or disrupt existing species populations. Therefore, identifying invasive species as a factor in eutrophication is misleading, as their role is more related to ecological dynamics rather than nutrient influx. This understanding helps clarify why invasive species are not commonly associated with the process of eutrophication.