The environmental impact of fertilizer runoff on local waterways
The Issue: What is Runoff from Fertilizer?
As a form of indirect pollution, fertilizer runoff originates from multiple sources rather than one pipeline.
Excess nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from fertilizers wash off the soil and into sewers when it rains or when homeowners overwater their lawns.
Local waterways, such as creeks, rivers, and bays like Sarasota Bay, are immediately supplied by these storm drains.
What is the Process?
Phosphorus and nitrogen are a sort of "food" for algae and plants. An "algal bloom," in which algae grow unchecked and form a thick coating on the water's surface, is caused by a surplus.
Sunlight is blocked by this dense accumulation of algae, which kills ocean-dwelling, beneficial plants like seagrasses.
As the algae die, they sink and are broken down by bacteria, which utilize a lot of oxygen in the water.
Fish kills result from the creation of "dead zones" where there is insufficient oxygen for fish, crabs, and other marine creatures to thrive.
The negative effects of this pollution include:
Harm to marine life and ecosystems.
Economic damage to the local tourism and fishing industries.
Degraded water quality for recreation.
To address this issue, Sarasota County has put in place certain rules, such as one that forbids the use of fertilizers high in phosphorus and nitrogen during the summer rainy season. (June 1 - September 30).