What nutrients flow into the Gulf of Mexico?

Question

How are they effecting the environment and what is being done to stop it?

Answer 1

The nutrients that flow into the Gulf of Mexico allow microscopic organisms called phytoplankton to bloom. When these algae die, they sink to the bottom of the ocean. There, they are decomposed by oxygen-consuming bacteria.

In the process, the bacteria consume most of the surrounding waterborne oxygen, leaving little oxygen for the other life-forms that depend on it.

While the excess nutrients that flow into the Gulf of Mexico come from a variety of sources, the main source is agricultural runoff, namely chemical fertilizers and animal manure.

"Nitrogen and phosphorus also come from human waste, via wastewater treatment plants and septic systems; domestic animal waste; and industrial sources. Additional nutrient sources include power plants, cars, and agricultural and industrial ammonia emissions.