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Agricultural runoff contains contaminants - such as animal feces, and chemicals like phosphorous etc present in fertilizers. These contaminants will spoil fresh water - causing sickness if it's drunk.
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"Freshwater" is usually defined as having low concentrations of dissolved salts and other soluble solids. Agricultural runoff tends to have picked up a lot of dissolved solids - both from human sources and from having been run through the soils where it dissolves the salts. As a result it MAY no longer really qualify as "freshwater" - being more accurately described as "brackish water" or close to it. As such it can become toxic to plant and animal life or have substances that greatly promote the growth of problem organisms like algae and slime. The BOD (biological oxygen demand) of runoff can make it so low in oxygen that it will kill fish and other aquatic organisms. When mixed with fresh water, runoff can degrade the quality of the water and severely disrupt ecosystems relying on fresh water.
Please take note of the caveats; not all agricultural runoff causes such severe problems - but it does have the potential to and in many cases DOES cause severe problems
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How is agricultural runoff harmful to places where freshwater is found?
it has extra nutrients or pollutants
What are platypuses polluted by?
Platypuses' habitats can be polluted by chemical and agricultural runoff, or even by industrial runoff in some areas. Anything that pollutes freshwater waterways can pollute the platypuses' habitats.
What factor will NOT increase the rate of eutrophication in freshwater?
Decreasing the amount of agricultural runoff entering the water body will not increase the rate of eutrophication. Agricultural runoff contains nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus that can contribute to eutrophication by promoting excessive algae and plant growth in the water.
Which is an example of non point source of freshwater pollution?
An example of a non-point source of freshwater pollution is runoff from agricultural fields carrying pesticides and fertilizers into nearby water bodies. This type of pollution comes from diffuse sources across a wide area and can be challenging to trace back to a specific origin.
What is agricultural runoff?
Agricultural runoff is a form of pollution when pesticides and other waste from a large area of land form into a small group and pollutes surrounding water.
Which is an example of a nonpoint source of freshwater polluiton?
Agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides is a common example of a nonpoint source of freshwater pollution. When it rains, the chemicals from the fields can be washed into nearby streams and rivers, contributing to water pollution.
What has the author Anthony S Donigihan written?
Anthony S Donigihan has written: 'User's manual for agricultural runoff management (ARM) model' -- subject(s): Runoff, Agricultural pollution
How can nitrates enter a freshwater source?
Nitrates can enter a freshwater source through runoff from agricultural fields where fertilizers are used, as well as from leaking septic tanks, livestock waste, or wastewater treatment plants. Once in the water, nitrates can lead to eutrophication, which can harm aquatic life and degrade water quality.
What is marine pollution?
Marine pollution occurs when harmful effects, or potentially harmful effects, can result from the entry into the ocean of chemicals, particles, industrial, agricultural and residential waste, noise, or the spread of invasive organisms. Most sources of marine pollution are land based. The pollution often comes fromnonpoint sources such as agricultural runoff and wind blown debris.
What are two possible sources of groundwater contamination?
Two possible sources of groundwater contamination are agricultural runoff, which can carry pesticides and fertilizers into groundwater sources, and leaking underground storage tanks, which can release harmful chemicals into the groundwater.
Is Water easily polluted because it can dissolve harmful chemicals?
Yes, water is easily polluted because it has the ability to dissolve a wide range of harmful chemicals and contaminants. This solubility makes it susceptible to pollution from sources like industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and improper disposal of chemicals.
How can chlorine substancs enter a freshwater source?
Chlorine substances can enter a freshwater source through the discharge of treated wastewater from industrial facilities or wastewater treatment plants. Runoff from agricultural fields where chlorine-containing fertilizers or pesticides have been used can also introduce chlorine into freshwater sources. Improper disposal of cleaning products or chlorine bleach near rivers or streams is another potential source of contamination.
