Runoff of Nutrients: Surface runoff can remove nutrients from the crops when chemical fertilizers are applied excessively or during periods of heavy rainfall. The neighboring rivers, lakes, groundwater, and streams may receive this discharge. The overabundance of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, can lead to eutrophication, a condition in which the growth of algae and aquatic plants is accelerated by an abundance of nutrients. This may cause an oxygen shortage, kill aquatic life, and throw the aquatic ecosystem’s delicate balance out of whack.
Chemical fertilizers, particularly those that are water soluble, can permeate the soil profile and seep into the groundwater. Leaching happens when rainfall or irrigation water moves the dissolved nutrients into the water table by moving them through the soil layers.
Surface Water Contamination: Chemical fertilizers that are improperly handled, stored, or accidentally spilled can contaminate surface waters. Runoff or direct release of fertilizer compounds into water bodies can happen when fertilizers are not administered in accordance with advised procedures or when machinery fails. This might affect the quality of the water, endanger aquatic life, and disturb aquatic ecosystems.
Groundwater contamination can result from the leaching of nutrients from chemical fertilizers, notably nitrate. Since nitrate is extremely soluble, it can quickly pass through the soil and get to the water table. Nitrate contamination in groundwater can be harmful to people’s health. Methemoglobinemia, sometimes known as “blue baby syndrome,” is a disorder that decreases the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, especially in children. It is brought on by consuming water with high nitrate concentrations.
