A Review of Eutrophication Management Methods: Strategies to Control Algal Blooms and Invasive Aquatic Plants

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Water and Environment, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Corresponding author, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Water and Environment, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

3 PhD. Plant Biosystematics, Research Associate at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22059/ijswr.2026.405101.670040

Abstract

Eutrophication, resulting from excessive inputs of phosphorus and nitrogen into surface waters, is recognized as a major global environmental challenge. This phenomenon, through the occurrence of extensive algal blooms and the proliferation of invasive aquatic plants, disrupts the balance of aquatic ecosystems, degrades water quality, and threatens biodiversity. This article first examines the eutrophication process and distinguishes it from natural eutrophication, and then outlines the main management strategies at three levels: source control, in-transit control, and end-of-pipe treatment. In addition, biomanipulation is introduced as a complementary approach to improve water quality by regulating food-web structure, including classical methods such as the removal of planktivorous fish and stocking of piscivorous fish, as well as newer approaches involving phytoplanktivorous fish, bivalves, and submerged macrophytes. Emerging technologies, including phosphorus-adsorbing nanomaterials and photoactive lighting systems, are also analyzed as novel solutions for the direct suppression of algal blooms. The novelty of this study lies in proposing an integrated and adaptive framework that combines ecological, biological, and technological approaches, while explicitly considering climatic and ecosystem-specific differences among lakes, thereby enabling the design of sustainable and site-specific eutrophication management strategies. The results indicate that integrating biological and technological methods, tailored to the ecological characteristics of each lake, can play a key role in the effective and sustainable management of eutrophication and in preventing the spread of invasive aquatic plants.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Introduction

Eutrophication, caused by the excessive influx of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds into aquatic ecosystems, is one of the major environmental challenges worldwide. This process accelerates the growth of phytoplankton and invasive aquatic plants, disrupting ecological balance and degrading water quality. While natural eutrophication occurs gradually as part of lake aging, anthropogenic eutrophication—driven by agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and industrial effluents—occurs much faster and has severe ecological and socio-economic impacts. The need for effective management strategies to prevent harmful algal blooms (HABs) and invasive plant expansion has become increasingly urgent.

Materials and Methods

This study reviews and classifies eutrophication control methods at three hierarchical levels: (1) source control, (2) in-process control, and (3) end-of-pipe treatment. Source control involves optimizing fertilizer use, adopting conservation agriculture, and improving wastewater treatment systems. In-process control focuses on reducing nutrient transport through ecological engineering solutions such as vegetative buffer zones and bio-retention trenches. End-of-pipe methods include engineered wetlands and bio-filtration systems. In addition, biomanipulation is explored as a complementary strategy that alters the food web structure to reduce algal biomass—through removing planktivorous fish, introducing piscivorous fish, or adding filter-feeding organisms like mussels and submerged macrophytes. The article also reviews emerging technologies such as phosphorus-adsorbing nanomaterials and photoreactive light filters designed to directly suppress algal photosynthesis.

Discussion

Comparative analyses indicate that while single-element management (especially phosphorus control) can be effective in some regions, integrated strategies targeting both nitrogen and phosphorus are more sustainable. Biomanipulation techniques have shown varying success depending on the lake type, trophic status, and climate. Traditional approaches—like the removal of planktivorous fish or stocking of piscivorous species—have proven successful in temperate lakes but are less effective in tropical or shallow ecosystems. In these environments, nontraditional methods using filter-feeding fish (e.g., Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, H. molitrix), native mussels, and submerged plants provide better long-term outcomes. However, ecological risks linked to non-native species introduction and the high variability in local conditions necessitate site-specific evaluation. Novel technological solutions, such as nano-adsorbents and UV-C light systems, show promise but require further assessment of cost, scalability, and environmental safety.

Conclusion

 

Eutrophication management demands adaptive, ecosystem-based strategies that combine biological, technological, and policy measures. Reducing external nutrient loads, managing internal nutrient cycling through food-web manipulation, and adopting environmentally safe innovations form the foundation of sustainable solutions. While no universal method exists, integrative approaches—tailored to local ecological and socio-economic conditions—offer the best prospects for maintaining water quality and aquatic ecosystem health in the long term.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, Reza Khalili and Ali Moridi; Methodology, Reza Khalili and Korosh Kavosi ; Software, Reza Khalili; Validation, Korosh Kavosi ; Writing, Reza Khalili; Preparation of the first draft, Reza Khalili; Writing, review and editing, Ali Moridi; All authors have read and approved the published version of the manuscript.

Data Availability Statement

Data is available on reaseonable requests from the outhors

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Shahid Beheshti University for its support.

Ethical considerations

The authors avoided data fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and misconduct.

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research
Volume 56, Issue 12
March 2026
Pages 3475-3488

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