Final answer:
Algal blooms in Lake Erie during the mid-1990s were mainly caused by nutrient runoff, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, leading to oxygen depletion and potential dead zones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The algal blooms in Lake Erie in the mid-1990s were predominantly caused by runoff containing high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers. These nutrients lead to an exponential increase in algae growth, known as an algal bloom. The subsequent death and decay of the algae result in oxygen depletion in the water, which can create dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive due to the lack of oxygen.