Agricultural pollution
Agricultural pollution refers to biotic and abiotic byproducts of farming practices that result in contamination or degradation of the environment and surrounding ecosystems, and/or cause injury to humans and their economic interests. The pollution may come from a variety of sources, ranging from point source water pollution (from a single discharge point) to more diffuse, landscape-level causes, also known as non-point source pollution. Management practices play a crucial role in the amount and impact of these pollutants. Management techniques range from animal management and housing to the spread of pesticides and fertilizers in global agricultural practices.
Fertilizers
Fertilizers are used to provide crops with
additional sources of nutrients, such as
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, that
promote plant growth and increase crop
yields. While they are beneficial for plant
growth, they can also disrupt natural
nutrient and mineral biogeochemical
cycles and pose risks to human and
ecological health.
Effects of Agricultural Pollution
1. Health Related Issues
Agricultural pollution is the main source of pollution in water and lakes. Chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides make their way into the groundwater that ends up in drinking water. Health-related problems may occur as it contributes to blue baby syndrome which causes death in infants. Oil, degreasing agents, metals and toxins from farm equipment cause health problems when they get into drinking water.
2. Effect on Aquatic Animals
Fertilizers, manure, waste, and ammonia turns into nitrate that reduces the amount of oxygen present in water which results in the death of many aquatic animals. Again, bacteria and parasites from animal waste can get into drinking water which can pose serious health hazards for various aquatic life and animals.
Keeping agricultural pollution in check is much harder than it seems. For the farms to become clean once again, levels of water, soil, and industrial pollution have to be kept in check. Over the last decade or so, governments have become stricter about enforcing regulations. Farmers are also becoming more aware of the damage and are looking for solutions.
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