The problem of eutrophication in Chesapeake Bay isn’t a simple fix. Moore and Cuker recommend more than simply reducing agricultural runoff. They believe that other nutrients need to be taken into account, along with other anthropogenic effects such as overfishing and pollution.
How can we solve the problem caused by eutrophication?
There are two possible approaches to reducing eutrophication: Reduce the source of nutrients (e.g. by phosphate stripping at sewage treatment works, reducing fertilizer inputs, introducing buffer strips of vegetation adjacent to water bodies to trap eroding soil particles).
What would cause eutrophication in the Chesapeake Bay *?
Elevated levels of the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorous are the main cause of poor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.
How do you fix eutrophication in lakes?
The only method that has had proven success in reducing the eutrophication of lakes is reducing input of phosphorus. There are no case histories or long-term ecosystem-scale experiments to support recent claims that to reduce eutrophication of lakes, nitrogen must be controlled instead of or in addition to phosphorus.
How can farmers reduce eutrophication?
A major solution to the problem of eutrophication lies in the adoption of more sustainable farming practices. This includes methods focused on keeping nutrients and water on land, utilizing fertilizers more efficiently, and reducing runoff.
What is eutrophication and why is it a problem?
Eutrophication is the process in which the water body becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to an increase in the production of algae and macrophytes. It deteriorates the water quality and depletes the dissolved oxygen of water bodies.
What are the 3 ways that dissolved oxygen gets into the Chesapeake Bay?
Oxygen can get into the water in several ways:
- Oxygen from the atmosphere dissolves and mixes into the water’s surface.
- Algae and underwater grasses release oxygen during photosynthesis.
- Water flows into the Bay from streams, rivers and the ocean. Ocean waters generally have more oxygen.
What made the cleanup of Chesapeake Bay Difficult?
Tides and currents impeded the cleanup work.
What are the two most important nutrients causing eutrophication in the Chesapeake Bay?
The two most important nutrients caused by eutrophication in the Chesapeake bay are Nitrogen and Phosphorus.
Can we reverse eutrophication?
Eutrophication can be slowed by reducing nutrient and sediment addition to the lake. It is nearly impossible to turn a eutrophic lake back into an oligotrophic lake, but it is possible to turn back eutrophication somewhat.
How can farmers help reduce water pollution?
Farmers can reduce NPS pollution from irrigation by improving water use efficiency. They can measure actual crop needs and apply only the amount of water required. Farmers may also choose to convert irrigation systems to higher efficiency equipment.
How do human activities cause nutrient pollution in the Chesapeake Bay?
Humans are Over Fertilizing the Bay
This nutrient pollution comes from fertilizing lawns, gardens, and farms. Nutrient pollution also comes from urban sources, including exhaust from automobiles, wastewater, septic systems, and stormwater runoff.
How can we reduce the environmental impact of agriculture?
Soil conservation methods, such as contour planting or no-till farming, reduce levels of soil erosion, as these methods help to keep the soil in place during heavy rains or floods, which is an increasing concern due to climate change.
What is eutrophication causes effects and control?
“Eutrophication is an enrichment of water by nutrient salts that causes structural changes to the ecosystem such as: increased production of algae and aquatic plants, depletion of fish species, general deterioration of water quality and. other effects that reduce and preclude use”.
What is the main cause of eutrophication?
The most common nutrients causing eutrophication are nitrogen N and phosphorus P. The main source of nitrogen pollutants is run-off from agricultural land, whereas most phosphorus pollution comes from households and industry, including phosphorus-based detergents.
How do you increase dissolved oxygen in water?
Simple aeration or agitation can increase dissolved oxygen enough to prevent problems. Injecting air or, especially, pure oxygen can increase levels as well, but only as high as saturation levels. Paying attention to temperature can also help improve DO, as colder water can hold more oxygen.
What factors contribute to the dead zone in Chesapeake Bay?
Dead zones are caused by excessive nitrogen and phosphorous pollution from human activities, including: Agricultural runoff from farmland that carries nutrients from fertilizers and animal manure into rivers and streams, eventually flowing into the Chesapeake Bay.
How do they fix dead zones in the ocean?
Better management of nutrient application can reduce nutrient runoff to streams. Cover Crops: Planting of certain grasses, grains or clovers, called cover crops can recycle excess nutrients and reduce soil erosion, keeping nutrients out of surface waterways.
How can we save the Chesapeake Bay?
Five ways volunteers can help protect the Chesapeake Bay
- Pick up trash. Litter is often one of the most visible forms of pollution we encounter in our day-to-day lives.
- Plant a tree.
- Be a citizen scientist.
- Support wildlife.
What can we do to help protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed?
Eight things environmentalists do to help the Chesapeake Bay
- Recycle.
- Use little or no fertilizer on their lawn.
- Compost.
- Have a Bay license plate.
- Volunteer for restoration projects at least once a year.
- Have a rain garden or a rain barrel.
- Pick up after their pets.
- Carpool to work.
How does recycling help the Chesapeake Bay?
Recycling anything ultimately helps the Chesapeake Bay and the environment as a whole. Recycling cans, bottles, paper and other items reduces the amount of waste that travels to landfills, helping to make those landfills last longer so no new landfills need to be built.