Sasha Park Max Stahl Parmis Sahrapima Period 4 Agricultural Runoff Definition: The process of rainwater carrying pollutants into bodies of water.
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Sasha ParkMax Stahl
Parmis SahrapimaPeriod 4
Agricultural Runoff Definition: The process of rainwater
carrying pollutants into bodies of water. Non-point source water pollution.
Comes from many different sources. Delivers pollutants indirectly.
Rainwater that cannot penetrate into soil collects agricultural pollutants and carries them into bodies of water.
Largest source of water pollution that impacts the water quality of rivers and lakes.
Second largest source of destruction to wetlands.
Major contributor to the pollution of estuaries and groundwater.
Importance of Agricultural Runoff Water sources are a vital part of ecosystems.
Source of drinking water and homes for water-dependent organisms. With contaminated water, many organisms are negatively affected.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus from fertilizers help oxygen-depleting algae grow. Why is this important? Reduces the amount of oxygen available for
other sea creatures. Red Tides:
Also known as algal blooms. Process in which algae (phytoplankton) rapidly accumulate in water. Why is this important? Outbreaks of life-threatening diseases and
poisoning to marine animals. Dead Zones: Areas of bodies of water that lack enough oxygen
to sustain much life. Can harm fish industry.
Red Tides and Dead Zones
Causes to Agricultural Runoff Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Causes algae to grow in aquatic communities.
The algae breathe in too much oxygen, leaving very little for other sea creatures.
The algae also block sunlight, killing even more organisms.
This begins the process of Eutrophication.
The reduction of surface water quality from increasing nutrient concentration.
Eutrophication Process by which a body of water
becomes rich in dissolved nutrients. Supports the growth and
breakdown of oxygen-depleting plant life.
Begins with increased algae growth. Water clarity reduced. Water smells and tastes bad, costs
more to filter, and poses as a threat to human health.
Less oxygen in the water, which kills sea creatures.
Toxins from cyanobacteria threaten human and animal health.
Eutrophication
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Causes to Agricultural Runoff
Pesticides End up in agricultural runoff when:
Great amount is applied to crops. Washed off shortly after being applied.
This kills sea creatures and contaminates the water supply.
Organic Matter Causes a “biochemical oxygen demand”
on water. Causes a decrease of oxygen in
streams. Causes death in marine animals.
Metals and Salts Do not appear in large amounts, usually
not a problem.
Sediments Become a part of agricultural runoff
due to soil erosion. Decrease amount of sunlight
reaching water plants. Contribute to algal blooms and
depleted oxygen. Damage marine life and decrease the
amount of materials able to be stored in lakes and ponds.
Pathogens An infectious agent or germ. Carried by rainwater from fertilizers. Cause diseases when humans drink
the water and when sea creatures host them.
Causes to Agricultural Runoff
Livestock Grazing Exposes soil Boosts erosion Paves way for the growth of
unwanted plants. Example: Cows produce more
than 260 gallons of manure each year in Brown County, Wisconsin.
Irrigation Excessive irrigation effects water
quality. Decreases amount of water in
streams and rivers. Carries other pollutants.
Solutions to Agricultural Runoff
Management practices: Practices aimed at reducing a specific cause to agricultural runoff.Controlling volume and speed of runoff water.Keeping soil in one area.Minimizing movement of soil.
Management measures: A series of practices aimed at achieving a broader goal.Minimizing nutrient losses.
Solutions to Agricultural Runoff
Buffer Strips Designed to intercept pollutants and deal with
other environmental issues. Reduce soil erosion and improve soil quality. Clean water. Save money and save the environment.
Creation of above-ground structures to store manure and water runoff.
Difficulties in Stopping
Agricultural RunoffDifficult to find sources of the runoff.Some farmers do not want to take the
necessary actions to prevent it, and we can’t force them to.
So many causes that it is difficult to control.
Outlooks on Agricultural RunoffGovernment provides money to farmers so that they
can apply the aforementioned solutions to agricultural runoff.
Clean Water Act: Minimizing water pollution and agricultural runoff.
Laws require permits to use herbicides and pesticides.
Farmers are educated about agricultural runoff.Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Techniques
to reducing contamination from pests.Water quality is checked and regulated. Agricultural Waiver Program: Education of
farmers on good practices, which reduces pollution.
Contacts EPA Groundwater and Ecosystem
Restoration Center: 617-918-1991
EPA National Pesticide Information Center: 1-800-858-7378
EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/hotline.htm
Call 831-646-8840 to report polluters to the Monterrey Coastkeeper.
Rain
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Rain
PN
Fertilizer
Bacteria
Body of Water
Algae
Algae
Algae
Algae
O OO
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FishFish Fish
Fish
Review
Resources http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/buffers/ http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/agricultural-runoff-ha
s-harsh-impact-on-environment-658902.html?showComments=true&page=2&more_comments=false
http://www.rivernetwork.org/rn/poor-agricultural-practices-and-runoff http://www.epa.gov/epahome/hotline.htm http://www.otterproject.org/site/pp.asp?c=8pIKIYMIG&b=4174831 http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9181 http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/Ag_Runoff_Fact_Sheet.pdf http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/civil/articles/74363.aspx http://news.stanford.edu/news/2005/march16/gulf-030905.html
Fun FactOne cow produces as much
waste as 18 people.
Moo
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