How does fertilizers containing phosphate and nitrates cause water pollution?

Chemical fertilizers contain phosphates, nitrates that can actually be the main reason behind water pollution. Environmental nitrogen and phosphorous contribute to the process of Eutrophication, which enriches the water surface with nutrients. The effect of Eutrophication is that there is an abundance of algal bloom.

How do phosphates and nitrates cause pollution?

When nitrate and phosphate ions concentrations in shallow waterbodies are in excess, there is overgrowth of water plants leading to the formation of algal bloom. This causes a high consumption of dissolved oxygen in the water.

How do fertilizers cause water pollution?

Fertilization may affect the accumulation of heavy metals in soil and plant system. Plants absorb the fertilizers through the soil, they can enter the food chain. Thus, fertilization leads to water, soil and air pollution. The use of chemical fertilizers in Turkey is lower than developed and many developing countries.

How does nitrates and phosphates affect water?

Eutrophication – “The process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients, especially phosphates and nitrates. As the algae die and decompose, high levels of organic matter and the decomposing organisms deplete the water of available oxygen, causing the death of other organisms, such as fish.

Do fertilizers pollute water?

Fertilizers used in agriculture are a significant source of nutrient pollution to water. In fact, nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from agricultural fields are some of the largest sources of pollution to coastal “dead zones” across the United States.

How do chemical fertilizers cause pollution explain?

the rain washes down the chemical fertilizer and discharge then into the river and many water bodies causing water pollution . when they are used the young seed that are sowed falls on them and that acts as a poison in the seeds . the use of chemical fertilizer can led to the spoiling of the quality of the soil .

What causes phosphates in water?

Phosphates in water come from a range of sources. Runoff from fertilizer on lawns and gardens is one contributor, and others include human and pet sewage, chemical manufacturing, vegetable and fruit processing and the pulp and paper industry.

Are phosphates water pollutants?

Phosphate pollution in rivers, lakes and other waterways has reached dangerous levels, causing algae blooms that starve fish and aquatic plants of oxygen. Though other key elements like oxygen and nitrogen can be found in the atmosphere, phosphorous has no analog.

Does fertilizer affect the aquatic environment?

Too much fertilizer can actually kill the plant and excess fertilizer can runoff into streams and lakes causing toxic algal blooms that are harmful to aquatic life and even people and their pets. Excess fertilizer runoff from lawns and agricultural applications also contribute to aquatic “dead zones” in coastal areas.

What causes phosphate pollution?

High concentrations of phosphorus may result from poor agricultural practices, runoff from urban areas and lawns, leaking septic systems or discharges from sewage treatment plants. High levels of phosphorus can also lead to algae blooms that produce algal toxins which can be harmful to human and animal health.

How does nitrate affect water?

Nitrates are essential plant nutrients, but in excess amounts they can cause significant water quality problems. Together with phosphorus, nitrates in excess amounts can accelerate eutrophication, causing dramatic increases in aquatic plant growth and changes in the types of plants and animals that live in the stream.

What are the consequences of fertilizers containing nitrates polluting a river?

Excessive nutrients (nitrates) from fertilisers are flushed from the land into rivers by rainwater. Oxygen levels reach such a low point that fish and other organisms suffocate. These nutrients cause increased aquatic plant growth of algae and other plants.

When it’s raining chemicals in the fertilizers are flew into water. These leads to water pollution. Fertilizer contains nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Excess amount of nutrients leads to algal growth.

What are the effects of fertilizer on plants?

Plants absorb the fertilizers through the soil, they can enter the food chain. Thus, fertilization leads to water, soil and air pollution. Problems caused by too much fertilizer: The amount of nitrate may increase in drinking water and rivers as a result of high levels of nitrogen fertilizer use.

What is nitrate and how does it affect aquatic plants?

Basically, any excess nitrate in the water is a source of fertilizer for aquatic plants and algae. In many cases, the amount of nitrate in the water is what limits how much plants and algae can grow. If there is an excess level of nitrates, plants and algae will grow excessively. Excess plants in a body of water can create many problems.

What is the main cause of water pollution in agriculture?

Farmers are used fertilizers in their agricultural field to increase their crops production. When it’s raining chemicals in the fertilizers are flew into water. These leads to water pollution. Fertilizer contains nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Excess amount of nutrients leads to algal growth.