The Pollution Solution: How can we help prevent dead zones in the ocean?
What is the causing the pollution problem?
Phosphorous and nitrogen are elements that are necessary for plants to grow (DNA and
RNA require it for example). Too much of these nutrients in lakes, rivers or even the
ocean can cause the explosive growth of algae, called eutrophication. Algae blooms can
ruin sources of drinking water, clog boat engines, block out sunlight, obstruct fish gills,
prevent filter feeding, and are gross to swim in, which not only directly affects tourists
but also can hurt the tourism industry. On top of all of this, when the algae blooms die off
masses of bacteria congregate to break down the dead algae. The bacteria use up all of
the oxygen in the water through the process of decomposition, which is the breaking
down of organic matter. The low oxygen areas are termed hypoxic, and the lack of
oxygen can cause fish and other marine life to die.
A picture of DNA should go on this page.
Picture of a body of water with an algae bloom.
Eroding the problem
Increased erosion is also contributing to increasing dead zones. By removing natural
vegetation (such as trees, grasses and plants) for development and farmland, we are
