Column 1: What Makes The Environment Eutrophic?

Column 1 is not oligotrophic due to the interactions of different bacteria species and their by products. For example, clostridium found in the lower, anaerobic section of the column would break down the cellulose found in the mud and other organic materials, and as by product of fermentation would release ethanol and organic acids into the surrounding environment. These by products are then used by other bacteria, such as desulfovibrio, who then produce by-products that are used by other bacteria. In turn, the by products of the different bacteria’s metabolism produces the nutrients needed for other bacteria to survive. This makes the environment
eutrophic.