Which best describes the impact of nutrient runoff on static water bodies?

Nutrient runoff primarily leads to an increase in nutrient levels in static water bodies, such as ponds and lakes. When excess nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, enter these water bodies from agricultural runoff, wastewater, or urban runoff, they can stimulate the growth of algae and aquatic plants. This overgrowth can create a condition known as eutrophication, which significantly affects the aquatic ecosystem.

The proliferation of pests, such as mosquitoes and other organisms, can be linked to the abundant food supply provided by the increased algal blooms and decomposing organic matter. These pests thrive in environments with abundant food and suitable breeding conditions, which nutrient enrichment frequently promotes. Consequently, the unchecked growth of algae can not only harm water quality but also create favorable conditions for pest populations to proliferate, impacting both human health and aquatic biodiversity.