Much nitrogen from fertilizer applications on land moves into aquifers, rivers, and eventually coastal waters like the Gulf of Mexico. In the Gulf of Mexico, excess nitrogen and phosphorous lead to the formation of so called ________, where dissolved oxygen in the water is so low that most fish cannot survive. The Impact of Nitrogen and Phosphorous on the Gulf of Mexico

The Impact of Nitrogen and Phosphorous on the Gulf of Mexico

Nitrogen and phosphorous, two essential elements necessary for healthy ecosystems, are often released into the environment in excess, leading to devastating ecological consequences. For example, fertilizer applications on land, which serve to boost crop production, are a major source of nitrogen and phosphorous runoff. As a result of this runoff, nitrogen and phosphorous can enter into aquifers, rivers, and eventually coastal waters, like the Gulf of Mexico (Eriksen, 2020). In the Gulf of Mexico, this excess of nitrogen and phosphorous can lead to the formation of so called “dead zones,” where dissolved oxygen in the water is so low that most fish cannot survive (Wang et al., 2019). The effects of dead zones on fish populations and the overall health of the Gulf of Mexico are numerous and severe. In areas close to the shore, dead zones result in a sharp decrease in the number of fish populations, as well as a decrease in the size of the fish (Wang et al., 2019). In addition to the direct impacts on fish populations, dead zones can also have indirect impacts on the Gulf of Mexico. For example, when dissolved oxygen levels decrease… Cont…