Dead Zones: The Loss of Oxygen from Rivers, Lakes, Seas, and the Ocean

Human activity has caused an increase in uninhabitable, oxygen-poor zones in our waters, known as dead zones. David L. Kirchman explains the impacts of dead zones and provides an in-depth history of oxygen loss in water, detailing the role of the agricultural industry in water pollution. He outlines ways to reduce the size and intensity of dead zones, such as wastewater treatment, buffer zones, cover crops, and precision agriculture, and suggests changing our diet can reduce nutrient pollution and lower greenhouse gasses emitted by the agricultural industry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Human activity has led to a concerning increase in uninhabitable, oxygen-poor zones, commonly referred to as dead zones, in our water bodies. Oxygen, the third most abundant element in the universe, is a vital component for nearly all life on Earth. However, numerous rivers, estuaries, coastal waters, and sections of the open ocean lack sufficient oxygen levels. In his book, David L. Kirchman delves into the impacts of dead zones and offers an in-depth exploration of oxygen loss in water. He highlights the significant role played by the agricultural industry in water pollution, shedding light on how fertilizers contaminate water supplies and contribute to the growth of harmful algal blooms in local lakes, reservoirs, and coastal oceans. Algal decomposition demands a substantial amount of oxygen, resulting in low oxygen levels that can be fatal to fish, harm bottom-dwelling organisms, diminish biological diversity, and disrupt food webs. While we cannot fully reverse the damage caused by dead zones, we can collaborate to reduce their size and intensity in regions such as the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, and the Baltic Sea. Kirchman not only elucidates the significance of dead zones for humanity but also provides practical solutions to mitigate their deadly impact on both human and aquatic life. Efforts to address nutrient pollution in certain regions have already seen progress through wastewater treatment, buffer zones, cover crops, and precision agriculture. However, more needs to be done to minimize the harmful effects of existing dead zones and prevent the emergence of thousands of new ones in our waters. Kirchman offers insightful recommendations on how changing our diet can reduce nutrient pollution while also lowering greenhouse gasses emitted by the agricultural industry. Individuals can make a positive impact on their health and the environment by taking proactive steps. The resulting book is a valuable resource for readers who are interested in environmental issues, providing a comprehensive understanding of dead zones, their causes, and potential solutions.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197520376