What effect can improperly disposed agricultural chemicals have on water sources?

Improperly disposed agricultural chemicals can significantly contribute to oxygen depletion in water sources. When these chemicals, including fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, enter water bodies, they often increase the growth of algae through nutrient enrichment. This phenomenon is known as eutrophication.

As algae thrive and subsequently die off, the decomposition process consumes a substantial amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Lower oxygen levels can lead to hypoxic conditions, which are detrimental to aquatic life, particularly fish and other organisms that rely on oxygen for survival.

This understanding highlights the critical impacts that agricultural practices can have on water ecosystems, emphasizing the need for proper handling and disposal of agricultural chemicals to protect water quality and aquatic biodiversity.