The Pollution Solution: How can we help prevent dead zones in the ocean?
What is the causing the pollution problem?
Phosphorous and nitrogen are elements that are necessary for plants to grow (DNA and RNA require it for example). Too much of these nutrients in lakes, rivers or even the ocean can cause the explosive growth of algae, called eutrophication. Algae blooms can ruin sources of drinking water, clog boat engines, block out sunlight, obstruct fish gills, prevent filter feeding, and are gross to swim in, which not only directly affects tourists but also can hurt the tourism industry. On top of all of this, when the algae blooms die off masses of bacteria congregate to break down the dead algae. The bacteria use up all of the oxygen in the water through the process of decomposition, which is the breaking down of organic matter. The low oxygen areas are termed hypoxic, and the lack of oxygen can cause fish and other marine life to die.
A picture of DNA should go on this page.
Picture of a body of water with an algae bloom.
Eroding the problem
Increased erosion is also contributing to increasing dead zones. By removing natural vegetation (such as trees, grasses and plants) for development and farmland, we are removing the roots that help to keep the soil in place. When the soil erodes into streams, lakes and rivers it brings with it the nutrients from the farms and backyards where it came from. In order to lessen the effects of this problem you should plant native vegetation which tends to have deeper roots that stabilize the run-off and soil more effectively. Native vegetation are also able to out-compete weeds and provides habitat for wildlife.
Picture of vegetation along a river or stream.
A picture of soil erosion.
Where does phosphorous come from?
Phosphorous comes from many different sources. One source is lawn fertilizer. Some areas already have enough phosphorous in their soil and so when people fertilize their lawns the extra phosphorous runs into the rivers when it rains. In order to prevent this problem check out your soil quality to see if you actually need to use fertilizer. Other places phosphorous comes from are leaves and grass clippings that are left on the lawn to decompose. When they decay they release phosphorous and when it rains the extra nutrients run into the rivers contributing to eutrophication. To stop this from happening make a compost pile for your leaves, grass clippings, and even your food wastes. Using the nutrient rich mulch you make from your compost can cut down on having to use fertilizers for your gardens.
Other major contributors to the phosphorous problem include agriculture and sewage treatment plants. Sewage treatment plants turn your waste into a nutrient rich soup through the process of treating it. When all of this flows out into the rivers and oceans it adds to the excess nutrient problem. Even animal waste such as your pets and livestock contribute. When it rains nutrients from the decaying waste material washes into the rivers and streams. One way to prevent this is to clean up animal wastes regularly and before major rainfalls. Fertilizers from farms are one of the largest contributors to increased nutrients. You can help alleviate this problem through consumer choices such as purchasing organic products that do not use fertilizers.
Pictures of lawn fertilizer, leaves raked up, a pet, and someone mowing their lawn.
Urban Issues
Urban development also contributes to the problem of explosive algae growth and dead zones. Where do rain and snow melt go? If you live in the city they probably run from your yard (if you have one) down your driveway, into the street and down into the storm drains. Do you know where the water goes then? Many people think it goes somewhere to be treated and cleaned, but that is not true. From the storm drain the water flows directly into lakes, rivers and streams. And with it goes all of the pollution and nutrients that were in your yard, on your driveway, and in the street.
When we develop natural areas for urban use, such as buildings, roads, and parking lots, we are changing the natural water flow patterns. Concrete prevents rain from soaking into the soil. This forces it to become runoff, which adds to the pollution problem. Next time you hear about plans to build a new parking lot instead of a park and you have a chance to voice your opinion, you should! A park would be porous ground cover and allow water to seep into the soil and decrease runoff. This in turn would decrease the amount of nutrients in our waterways.
Pictures of a city, parking lot, and a storm drain.
What can you do?
So remember, in this case, we can all make a difference
ü Use fertilizers on your lawn only when you need to (check your soil quality to see if it needs it) and do so sparingly.
ü Make compost out of leaves and lawn clippings and use the mulch from that for your gardens. The nutrients from the decaying organic matter will act as a natural fertilizer for your plants.
ü Plant an extra tree, some wild flowers, more grasses and maybe even a few bushes! The extra vegetation will decrease erosion. Remember to try and plant native vegetation because it is better for the ecosystem.
ü Pick up animal wastes right away.
ü Consumer choices such as organic produce that uses less or no fertilizer at all and buying detergents that are organic and have no phosphorous.
ü When you are old enough, vote! Vote to build a park instead of a parking lot, and now that you know what the consequences can be for our oceans, voice your opinions.
Pictures of a compost pile, someone voting, and someone planting vegetation by a stream.
Quiz on Nutrient Pollution!
1. Large algae blooms can be harmful for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:
- Clog fish gills
- Cause dead zones in oceans
- Prevent filter feeding
- Drown people
- Decrease tourism
2. The lack of oxygen can cause marine life to die in ______areas.
OHXCIPY
3. Planting natural vegetation is better because:
- It can out compete animals in the area
- It has roots
- It provides more habitat for wildlife
- It is prettier
4. The biggest contributors of phosphorous to the waterways are:
- Houses and factories
- Agriculture and sewage treatment plants
- Agriculture and erosion
- Sewage treatment plants and urban development
5. ( T / F ) Urban development increases the pollution that runs off into the lakes and streams which could potentially carry with it excess nutrients.