Excessive fertilizer runoff can lead to which problem?

Excessive fertilizer runoff can indeed lead to eutrophication in water bodies. This process occurs when nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus found in fertilizers, wash into lakes, rivers, and streams. These nutrients stimulate the rapid growth of algae, a phenomenon known as algal blooms. As these blooms grow and subsequently die off, the decomposition process consumes significant amounts of oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxic or anoxic conditions. Such low oxygen levels can harm aquatic life, resulting in fish kills and disrupting entire ecosystems.

This phenomenon is a significant environmental concern as it can also reduce water quality and impact recreational activities, drinking water sources, and overall biodiversity in the affected water bodies. It emphasizes the importance of responsible fertilizer application and management practices to prevent runoff and protect aquatic ecosystems.