Water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, have faced significant degradation due to chemical contamination and the growing demands of irrigation, exacerbated by the widespread use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture. The runoff from agricultural fields, which often contains harmful chemicals, such as nitrates, phosphates, and pesticides, finds its way into nearby water sources.
The increased use of chemical fertilizers in farming has contributed to the contamination of water bodies in several ways. First, these fertilizers promote the growth of algae in water sources, a phenomenon known as eutrophication, which leads to oxygen depletion and the death of aquatic life. Additionally, chemicals like nitrates can leach into groundwater, posing a risk to drinking water supplies and contributing to health problems.
Furthermore, the demand for water to support irrigation in regions dependent on chemical fertilizers places additional pressure on water resources, often leading to the over-extraction of water from rivers and aquifers. This results in reduced water availability, further exacerbating the negative effects of contamination and impacting ecosystems, agriculture, and human communities that rely on these water bodies for their livelihood.