A conceptual model of the relation of phytoplankton biomass to eutrophication 

Phytoplankton quantity is a direct trophy of eutrophication, through the increase of nutrient concentration. The nutrient load is in some areas added by internal nutrient loading from the bottom, excellerated by oxygen depletion. Phytoplankton increase in turn adds to the oxygen depletion, when sedimenting to the bottom, causing a vicious circle of eutrophication. Biotic and abiotic changes, such as climate change or changes in herbivory, also affect the phytoplankton quantity.

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