Runoff Nutrient Pollution

Algae is a green substance that lives on the surface of Iowa lakes and ponds. While some types of algae are normal, most algae on the top of water is harmful to all living life. Algae becomes harmful because of runoff. Runoff occurs when there is more water than land can absorb and is a major source of water pollution. When runoff occurs, it collects litter, chemicals, fertilizers, petroleum, sewage, medical waste and other toxic substances. This excess material is then dumped into our bodies of water.

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Waverly

Iowa Core Standard

5-ESS3-1

Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth's resources and environment.

Driving Question

How can the number of runoff pollutants in Iowa lakes and ponds be reduced?

Probing Questions

Where might the overabundance of nutrients be coming from?
Why would it be dangerous to go swimming in golf course ponds?
What are the reasons that nutrients are used on grass and crops?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Explore watersheds, water systems and the hydrosphere and the interconnection of pollution.
Discuss what your students and community can do to decrease their own contribution to environmental pollution.
Discuss plants and fertilizing (nutrients from farming and lawn care are the main cause of runoff pollution) to learn about eutrophication. The topic of eutrophication could be used as an extension opportunity for proficient learners.

Resources

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Nutrient Pollution: This is a two-minute video explaining the effects of nutrient pollution.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | What You Can do: This article focuses on what students can do at their homes and their yards to decrease runoff pollution.
National Ocean Service | What is Eutrophication: This is a one-minute video explaining what eutrophication is. This video can be used as an extension opportunity.
National Geographic | Runoff: This encyclopedia entry gives great explanations, descriptions, and examples of what runoff is.

Contributors

Submitted by Lexi Brown and Marlee Boyle.