Every year, it seems that the Gulf of Mexico dead zone off the Texas and Louisiana coasts just gets bigger. And this year is no exception. Researchers believe that not only will this dead zone be bigger, but they anticipate it will also last longer. And the problematic area in the Gulf of Mexico shows no signs of slowing down.
Oxygen levels tested found that the lowest levels were in the middle depths, all the way down to the sea floor at 60 feet. The flooding in the Midwest has caused a lot of water to flow down the rivers and into the Gulf. And researchers believe that additional flood waters that have not yet made it to the Gulf of Mexico are on their way, which could prolong the dead zone this year.
Dead Zones
Dead zones, which are oxygen-depleted ocean waters, are also known as hypoxia. Hypoxia actually means “low oxygen”. Salt water does not mix easily with freshwater. The freshwater from rivers and various runoffs is the source and without mixing properly, oxygen does not make it to the ocean floor. These zones obviously hurt sea life and the ecology of the water.
A large dead zone is usually found at the mouth of the Mississippi River, where it empties out into the Gulf of Mexico. This has been considered the norm since 1985. But recent tests have found another large dead zone off the Texas coast where the Brazos River empties into the Gulf as well.
Another Cause
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in March predicted a 15 percent increase in corn productivity for last year. Corn requires a lot of fertilizer to grown. And nitrogen based fertilizers wash down the Mississippi River, creating these dead zones by increasing algae growth. This in turn uses up the oxygen that the other sea creatures need to survive.
The dead zone off the Texas and Louisiana coasts have been blamed on rain waters that form a layer on top of the salt water, which prevents oxygen from entering. But many believe fertilizers are also to blame.
Reversal
Reversing a dead zone is completely possible. This has been seen when fertilizers were cut back. Although the harm to sea life has already taken place, it is possible to prevent further injury by reducing this type of waste.
Along with targeting the agricultural industry for reform, consumers should look at themselves. The average person can stop using as much fertilizer for their own plants and refuse to buy products with high phosphate content. Electrasol, for instance, has an 8.7% phosphate concentration for its tabs and 4.9% for its gel.
I’m part of a boycott to get Electrasol to make eco-friendly alternatives to its products. Take a look: http://www.thepoint.com/campaigns/save-the-environment-by-boycotting-electra-sol-dishwasher-detergent
Palmolive already started making an eco version of its detergent after it was banned in Washington, so this is totally possible.