Iceland Water Pollution

Words: 393
Pages: 2

The main water issue in Iceland is water pollution from fertilizer runoff. Nitrates from fertilizers eventually make their way into rivers, lakes, and oceans because water feeds into bigger bodies of water (Biello, 2008). Fertilizer causes algae to flourish due to it causing oxygen to deplete and leave vast “‘dead zones’” (Biello, 2008). Due to the lack of oxygen, aquatic life has trouble surviving. Another factor that causes concern to the water pollution by fertilizer runoff is the fact that POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) have been found in surprisingly high concentrations in tissues of some Arctic animals (Bryant). These pollutants are not all from nearby, but because water does move due to run off and makes its way to larger bodies