In Dead in the Gulf, Lindsey Blomberg explains the extent of dead zones in Mexico. The situation continues to worsen with agricultural waste and chemicals such as fertilizers being among the major pollutants that are finding their way into the Gulf. These wastes include nitrogen compounds and phosphates that take up all oxygen in water bodies leading to the death of aquatic life. In fact, for some living organisms, such as the female croakers, reproduction has been greatly affected by the chemicals being drained into the water bodies.
I particularly find the article very useful as it concludes by giving recommendations for the identified problem of dead zones. The dead zones, despite their rapid expansion, can be restored as has been seen in the past in areas such as the Black Sea. Blomberg notes that regulating the use of fertilizers and ensuring that pollutants such as animal waste are not directed into rivers; dead zones can be recovered (18).
On the other hand, in Study Shows Rising Risk to Waterways from Fertilizer, Tatiana Schlossberg explores how fertilizers and climatic changes are affecting water masses. The use of fertilizers started as a tool for agriculture to help feed billions of people during World War II. However, they have now become a serious pollutant that is negatively affecting aquatic life. Besides, weather patterns have become unpredictable with more rainfall levels being experienced during the rainy seasons as well as the change in precipitation.
This article offers a different approach to writing where one can explore both advantages and disadvantages. For instance, Schlossberg argues that artificial fertilizers made of nitrogen compounds were a part of revolutionizing agriculture, but their use has led to dead zones in America (par.15). This is because they have been used in excess. Further, rain is aiding in the movement of excess fertilizers to water bodies.
- Blomberg, Lindsey. “Dead in the Gulf: A Dead Gulf of Mexico May Reach Historical Proportions this Year.” Emagazine.com, vol. 22, no. 5, Sept-Oct. 2011, p.18. Earth Action Network, emagazine.com/dead-zone
- Schlossberg, Tatiana. “Study Shows Rising Risk to Waterways from Fertilizer.” New York Times, 28 Jul. 2017, Pp. A. 13. SIRRS Issues Researcher, https://sks.sirs.com
