Nutrient runoff

Nutrient runoff occurs when excess fertilizers and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from agriculture, lawns, or wastewater are washed away by rain or irrigation. These nutrients enter nearby water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. While nutrients are essential for plant growth, too much can lead to problems like algae blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life. Nutrient runoff can also cause water quality issues, making it unsafe for drinking, recreation, or fish habitats. Proper land management, reducing fertilizer use, and creating buffer zones can help minimize nutrient runoff.