What is the problem associated with contamination of the waterways by water run off of agricultural fertilizers?

Question

Naomi Aronson · Accepted Answer

Nitrates (of most cations) are exceptionally soluble; and thus nitrates from agricultural runoff tend to accumulate in waterways.

That being said, there is enough oxygen in the water during the day when the algae photosynthesize, which is when there is enough oxygen in the water to support micro and larger fauna. Therefore, a high concentration of nitrates in the waterways stimulates the growth of algae, which necessarily depletes the amount of oxygen gas available in the water. But why does photosynthesis cease during the night, when the algae continue to respire and have the same oxygen requirement? Events known as algal blooms have the potential to reduce nightly oxygen concentrations to a point where other aquatic fauna becomes asphyxiated. A phenomenon called "eutrophication" is the primary factor causing many freshwater and marine ecosystems to be compromised globally. For further information, click this link: Eutrophication Causes, Consequences, and Controls in Aquatic 102364466 https://tutor.hix.ai

Jeremiah Adams · Answer

undefined The problem associated with contamination of waterways by agricultural fertilizers runoff is eutrophication, which leads to excessive growth of algae, depleting oxygen levels in the water and harming aquatic life.