In Your Own Words: How A Dead Zone Forms Along Population

In Your Own Words Summarize How A Dead Zone Forms Along Populated Coa

In your own words, summarize how a dead zone forms along populated coasts. What are the major sources of the excess nutrients? Consider your community. What are some of the major sources of nutrient runoff that you see on a regular basis? Do you contribute to this problem? Discuss at least two ways in which you, personally, can reduce your impact on ocean life. Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.

Paper For Above instruction

A dead zone refers to a region in the ocean where the environment becomes inhospitable for most marine life, primarily due to a significant depletion of oxygen levels in the water. These zones typically form along populated coastlines as a consequence of excess nutrients entering the marine ecosystem. Major sources of these nutrients are often human activities such as agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, and urban stormwater. Fertilizers used in agriculture contain nitrogen and phosphorus, which, when washed into waterways, eventually flow into the ocean. Additionally, sewage and wastewater from communities introduce high levels of nutrients, exacerbating the problem.

In my community, some common sources of nutrient runoff include residential lawn fertilizers, improper disposal of waste, and runoff from roads during storms. I realize that I may contribute to this issue indirectly by using chemical fertilizers on my lawn or disposing of waste improperly. These actions, although minor individually, can cumulatively add to nutrient pollution.

To reduce my impact on ocean life, I can adopt more environmentally friendly practices. First, I can minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and opt for organic or natural alternatives for maintaining my garden. Second, I can ensure proper disposal of waste and participate in local cleanup efforts to prevent debris and pollutants from reaching waterways. By making these changes, I can help reduce nutrient runoff and support healthier ocean ecosystems, ultimately decreasing the size and impact of dead zones along populated coasts.

References

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  • Smith, V. H. (2003). Eutrophication of freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems: A global problem. Environmental Science & Technology, 37(10), 200A-206A.
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  • Galloway, J. N., et al. (2004). Nitrogen cycles: past, present, and future. Biogeochemistry, 70(2), 153-226.
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  • United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2020). Nutrient Pollution: The Problem. EPA.gov.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2019). Dead Zones in U.S. Waters: Causes and Trends. NOAA.gov.

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