What does high nutrient levels typically lead to in water bodies?

High nutrient levels in water bodies primarily lead to eutrophication, a process characterized by excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants due to the overabundance of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. When these nutrients enter the water, often from agricultural runoff or wastewater, they stimulate algal blooms.

This proliferation of algae can initially seem beneficial, but it creates a chain of negative effects. As the algae die and decompose, oxygen in the water is consumed, leading to hypoxic or anoxic conditions that can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic organisms. Additionally, some algal blooms can produce toxins that pose health risks to both aquatic life and humans.

In contrast, options like increased biodiversity, clearer water, and stronger water currents do not accurately reflect the consequences of high nutrient levels in water bodies. High nutrient levels are generally linked to a decline in biodiversity due to the dominance of certain algal species, turbidity caused by algal blooms rather than clearer water, and the alteration of water flow patterns, which may not necessarily result in stronger currents. Thus, eutrophication best captures the overall impact of high nutrient levels in aquatic environments.