Dead zones or seasonal hypoxic zones occur worldwide and appear to be increasing

Question

Dead zones or seasonal hypoxic zones occur worldwide and appear to be increasing in number and duration over time. While some zones are natural, most are because of anthropogenic contributions. The major causes of these anthropogenic zones are nutrient contributions from agriculture, municipal, and industrial sources. As the name implies, these zones lack oxygen and can cause major die of species in the zone. The Gulf of Mexico Zone is the second largest dead zone in the world. Discuss issues / develop a theoretical model which combines the discussion of water use and pollution control for the watersheds contributing to this hypoxia zone. Useful sites include http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/products/hypox_t6final.pdf http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2015/080415-gulf-of-mexico-dead-zone-above-average.html http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/areas/gulfofmexico/explore/gulf-of-mexico-dead-zone.xml http://economics.ucdavis.edu/events/papers/Kling117.pdf

Explanation / Answer

The Gulf of Mexico has become a dead zone on the account of excessive eutrophication as the flood water washes away most of the nitrogenous and phosphorus fertilizers and nutrients into the Mississippi river which finally distribute them in the Gulf. The growth of algae and other planktons is harmful, making the entire zone an oxygen scare zone resulting in deaths of marine animals.

Such hypoxia is a concern for all the states and not only the one directly affected by it. Management of water and land is quintessential.

·        The use of eco friendly landscaping techniques should be encouraged. These require less fertilizer and they prevent erosion

·        Always leave the grass clippings on the lawn in order to recycle the nutrients present in the grass. A compost pit should be constructed to reduce the amount of waste.

·        Water conservation at home is needed to reduce the volume of wastewater which will then increase the efficiency of treatment plant.

·        Always use safe and non-toxic alternatives for pests control.

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