Origin of the concept of eutrophication in fresh waters The idea of eutrophication began with limnologists. Early in the 20th century. northern European limnologists distinguished oligotrophic from eutrophic lakes. The former were nutrient-poor the latter, nutrient-richThe idea of eutrophication began with limnologists. Early in the 20th century, northern European limnologists distinguished oligotrophic from eutrophic lakes. The former were nutrient-poor, the latter, nutrient-rich. Origin of the concept of eutrophication in fresh waters