Dead zones have been documented in many areas. These dead zones are increasing in size each year. Which of the following would be one of the ways to decrease the size of these dead zones?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dead zones are caused by an excess of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, in the water. This excess nitrogen comes primarily from agricultural runoff. Therefore, decreasing the volume of nitrogen used in agricultural areas near dead zones would be the most effective way to decrease the size of these dead zones. Planting more crops might help, but only if the crops are able to take up all of the excess nitrogen. Increasing populations of cyanobacteria, which are often responsible for creating dead zones, would only make the problem worse. Increasing populations of decomposers might help to some extent, but it would not address the underlying problem of excess nitrogen in the water.

Dead Zones Have Been Documented in Many Areas