A new study published by a team of international researchers has revealed that agriculture is the primary source of phosphorus in lakes and streams. This is a concerning revelation, as phosphorus is a major pollutant of freshwater ecosystems, which can lead to harmful algae blooms and decreases in water quality. The research team analyzed data from multiple sources to identify the sources of phosphorus, and their findings indicate that agricultural activities are the main driver of phosphorus input, with fertilizers, feedlot runoff, and animal waste all contributing to the problem. It is now clear that agricultural practices need to be better managed in order to reduce phosphorus pollution and protect freshwater ecosystems.

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source: Phys.org