How Does Agricultural Runoff Contribute to Pollution?

Agricultural runoff contributes to pollution in several ways. The runoff can carry nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers into nearby water bodies, promoting eutrophication. Eutrophication leads to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life. Additionally, pesticides in runoff can contaminate groundwater and surface water, making it unsafe for human consumption and damaging ecosystems.