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Release of chemicals in Aquatic Ecosystems (Effects (some algae species…
Release of chemicals in Aquatic Ecosystems
Why are fertilisers used?
Fertilisers contain plant nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen). When plants lack these nutrients -> s suffer from nutrient deficiency = stop growing. If the nutrient level is too low -> plant cannot function properly and will not produce the food necessary for the agriculture industry.
Fertilisers are applied to crop fields to provide the plants these elements and gatuntee the plant to grow.
How do fertilisers reach the marine ecosystem?
Through runoff -> water
when it rains, the growth aids in the soil drift
substances reach nearby rivers/ streams
flow through the water and are eventually carried to the ocean
High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are released
Effects
some algae species explode in growth = red or brown tides (depending on the type of algae affected)
Algae blooms release harmful toxicant --> easily poison many different types of marine life
algae require a large amounts of oxygen in order to grow -> water may become oxygen deprived (suffocating marine creatures)
In some cases the algae + toxins are so overwhelming that it could lead to an ecosystem to "shut down" = marine life can no longer expand or live at all.
Excess nutrients in marine environment can lead to a process ->
eutrophication
where the nutrients nourish the growth of algae; when the algal growth becomes excessive and dies it robs the water column of oxygen, affecting the health of the marine environment.
nutrients nurture the growth of algae-> when the algal growth becomes excessive+ dies it "robs" the water column of oxygen
They help marine plants, including algae, grow. However, when such strong levels of the nutrients are released
solutions
Use no-phosphorus fertilizer on lawns and gardens
Leave a wide strip of deep-rooted plants along shoreland or Planting Field Buffers (planting shrubs, trees etc for a field border)
Nutrient Management Techniques
applying nutrients in the right amount, most adequate time of year, correct method and with the right placement.
"we must halve the amount of nitrogen we dump into the environment by mid-century or our ecosystems will face epidemics of toxic tides, lifeless rivers, and dead oceans"
https://e360.yale.edu/features/can-the-world-find-solutions-to-the-nitrogen-pollution-crisis
Bibliography
.
https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/sources-and-solutions-agriculture
https://www.leisurepro.com/blog/ocean-news/damaging-effects-fertilizers-marine-ecosystems/
https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/agriculture-nutrients-and-health-fishhttps://www.hunker.com/13425670/how-does-fertilizer-affect-aquatic-ecosystems