What is one of the problems linked to agricultural runoff?

Agricultural runoff is associated with an increase in nitrate concentrations, primarily due to the extensive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in farming practices. When it rains or when irrigation systems are used, these nitrates can wash off the fields and enter nearby water bodies. This process can lead to eutrophication, where excessive nutrients cause algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water, harming aquatic ecosystems and leading to dead zones where marine life cannot survive.

While other issues like pesticide leaks, radon contamination, and heavy metal deposition can also impact the environment, they are not as directly linked to the typical processes involved in agricultural runoff. The primary concern with runoff is centered around nutrient pollution, particularly from nitrates and phosphates, which has significant implications for water quality and ecosystem health.