Excess nutrient pollution (nitrogen and/or phosphorus) → excessive algae growth → algae die and start to decompose → decomposers use the dissolved oxygen in the water → D.O. levels drop to critically low levels (hypoxic water) resulting in a “dead zone”
Excess nutrient pollution, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems
Excess nutrient pollution, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. When these nutrients enter the water bodies, they act as fertilizers, promoting the excessive growth of algae. This process is known as eutrophication.
The excessive algae growth can create dense algal blooms on the surface of the water, blocking sunlight from reaching the deeper parts. This inhibits the growth of other aquatic plants, which rely on sunlight for photosynthesis. As a result, the diverse aquatic plant community starts to decline.
After the algal blooms die, they begin to decompose. This decomposition process is carried out by bacteria and fungi that feed on the dead organic matter. During the decomposition, these microorganisms consume dissolved oxygen from the water in order to break down the organic material. This leads to a decrease in the available oxygen levels in the water.
As the decomposition process continues, the dissolved oxygen (D.O.) levels in the water can drop to critically low levels. This condition is referred to as hypoxia. Hypoxic water does not contain enough oxygen to support aerobic organisms’ survival, such as fish and other aquatic life forms. As a result, these organisms may be unable to obtain enough oxygen to breathe and may die. The lack of oxygen can lead to large-scale mortality events in aquatic ecosystems.
When an area of water experiences severe hypoxic conditions and is unable to support most aquatic life, it is commonly referred to as a “dead zone.” These dead zones can have significant ecological and economic consequences, as they affect fisheries, tourism, and overall ecosystem health.
Preventing excess nutrient pollution is crucial to mitigating the occurrence and expansion of dead zones. Implementing proper agricultural practices, managing sewage and wastewater treatment effectively, and reducing industrial runoff are some measures that can help prevent or minimize excess nutrient pollution and the subsequent formation of dead zones.
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