What motivates the growth of aquatic organisms such as algae in the context of organic pollution?

The growth of aquatic organisms such as algae is primarily motivated by the presence of excessive nutrients in the water, which is a direct consequence of organic pollution. When organic materials break down in aquatic environments, they can release nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients are essential for plant growth, including algae. In normal circumstances, these nutrients are present in balanced amounts, but when there is organic pollution, often from agricultural runoff or wastewater discharges, nutrient levels can increase dramatically.

This nutrient enrichment can lead to algal blooms, where the algae proliferate rapidly. These blooms can significantly alter the aquatic ecosystem, sometimes resulting in harmful effects like oxygen depletion or the production of toxins. Thus, excessive nutrients stand out as a critical factor driving the growth of these organisms in polluted water bodies.