Which nutrients are primarily responsible for causing algal blooms in water bodies?

Nitrogen and phosphorus are primarily responsible for causing algal blooms in water bodies because they serve as essential nutrients that promote the growth of algae. When these nutrients are present in excessive amounts due to agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, or other pollution sources, they can lead to rapid algal growth, known as algal blooms.

These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, block sunlight from reaching aquatic plants, and produce toxins that are harmful to fish, wildlife, and humans. Managing nitrogen and phosphorus levels in water bodies is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and preventing harmful algal blooms.

The other nutrients listed, like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium, and potassium, while important for various biological processes, do not significantly contribute to the proliferation of algal blooms. Thus, nitrogen and phosphorus stand out as the primary culprits in this context.