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Instructionswatch The Following Videohttpswwwnasagovmp4259924m

Instructions watch The Following Videohttpswwwnasagovmp4259924m

Instructions Watch the following video: Click here for a copy of the transcript. 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

The formation of dead zones along populated coastlines is primarily driven by excess nutrient runoff into marine environments, leading to hypoxic conditions where oxygen levels become dangerously low for aquatic life. These zones typically develop in coastal areas with high human activity because of the influx of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which originate from various sources. Major contributors include agricultural runoff from fertilizers, sewage discharges, stormwater runoff carrying organic waste and chemicals, and industrial effluents (Diaz & Rosenberg, 2008). When these excess nutrients enter the ocean, they stimulate overgrowth of phytoplankton, resulting in algal blooms. As these algae die and decompose, microorganisms consume oxygen in the water, creating an environment where marine life cannot survive, thus forming a dead zone (Rabalais et al., 2009).

In my community, some notable sources of nutrient runoff include lawn fertilizers used on residential properties, improperly maintained septic systems, and runoff from nearby roads carrying urban waste and pollutants. I recognize that my personal habits contribute to this problem, particularly through the use of chemical fertilizers in my garden and the disposal of waste that might enter storm drains. To reduce my impact on ocean life, I can adopt environmentally friendly practices such as using organic fertilizers or composting kitchen waste to enrich my garden naturally. Additionally, I can support local efforts to improve wastewater management and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices that reduce nutrient runoff. By being more mindful of my consumption and waste disposal, I can help decrease the nutrient load entering local waterways and ultimately protect marine ecosystems from the detrimental effects of hypoxia (Carpenter et al., 2011).

References

• Carpenter, S. R., Caraco, N. F., Correll, D. L., Howarth, R. W., Sharpley, A. N., & Smith, V. H. (2011). Nonpoint pollution of surface waters with phosphorus and nitrogen. Ecological Applications, 8(3), 559–568.
• Diaz, R. J., & Rosenberg, R. (2008). Spreading dead zones and consequences for marine ecosystems. Science, 321(5891), 926–929.
• Rabalais, N. N., Paerl, H. W., Turner, R. E., & Wiseman Jr, W. J. (2009). Changes in Louisiana's coastal ecosystems: Science and resource management issues. Estuaries and Coasts, 32(1), 43–59.