Plants depend on certain elements and compounds known as nutrients to grow and flourish; lacking one or too many could harm or kill it.
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Micronutrients
Micronutrients, or vitamins and minerals required in small quantities but essential to good health, play an essential role. From building cells to combating disease, these essential substances help us build a healthier world. Water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins and trace minerals such as iron, manganese, zinc, iodine fluoride selenium can all play important roles.
Vitamin and mineral deficiency is an internationally prevalent public health problem, particularly among low-income countries. Its impact can range from poor child growth and development, increased susceptibility or exacerbation of certain diseases or disorders, decreased educational outcomes, as well as reductions in productivity and potential.
Diet is the key to getting all of the essential micronutrients. A diet rich in vegetables and 100% fruit juice, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, dairy products and lean meats should provide enough of these micronutrients; supplementation may also be helpful; this is particularly true if pregnant women or young children are at risk of deficiency.
Dead Zones in the Chesapeake Bay
Every summer in parts of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers, an oxygen-deficient zone forms, leaving fish, crabs, oysters and other aquatic life without enough oxygen to support themselves. Its size varies based on weather patterns and pollution levels; University of Michigan researchers annually calculate its predicted size based on nutrients entering via river monitoring stations or wastewater treatment plants as well as weather conditions that could affect runoff of nutrients into the bay.
This year is projected to see one of the lowest dead zone volumes ever measured since water monitoring began in 1985. Scientists credit this impressive feat to below-average spring rainfall, warmer temperatures, and calm winds which reduced nitrogen flow into the bay from its tributaries – showing that efforts at nutrient reduction are having an effective effect on its health.
Excess Nutrients in the Chesapeake Bay
Nitrogen and phosphorus are vital elements for ecosystem function; however, too much in water may lead to its collapse through eutrophication – where excess nutrients deplete oxygen from the water source, negatively affecting fish populations as well as wildlife species.
Prior to substantial human activity in the Bay watershed, most nitrogen and phosphorus was stored or taken up by natural forest and wetland vegetation that stored or absorbed these compounds. When these habitats were transformed by roads, homes, and farm fields instead, nutrient pollution increased significantly.
Each year, about 300 million pounds of polluting nitrogen enters the Bay, mostly through agriculture as well as stormwater runoff and air pollution.
Effective nutrient reduction strategies must take into account all available best management practices (BMPs) available to homeowners, cities and farms alike. BMPs work in unison to both reduce excess nutrients and restore healthy waterways – helping balance budget constraints with environmental restoration goals of creating a sustainable Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
Nutrient Runoff
Nutrients not taken up by plants may be washed off of land by rain and snow and carried directly to streams or lakes, where they can fuel harmful algal blooms (eutrophication), reduce oxygen availability in water sources, and threaten marine life.
Human activities, including wastewater treatment plant discharges, fertilizer runoff, urban and agricultural land use and climate change have contributed to an increased release of nutrients into freshwater environments.
Airborne emissions of fossil fuels containing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution include vehicles, airplanes and factories. Energy-efficient appliances and vehicles can help minimize these emissions; individuals can further decrease nutrient pollution by choosing energy efficient detergents and soaps, conserving water at home and driving less; also, buying local or organic foods helps limit chemical-laden fertilizer use on farms – these practices are known as “nonpoint source pollution”, unlike point sources like smokestacks or pipes which can be identified and managed more easily.
