Is pollution a threat to the great barrier reef?

1 ANSWERS

1. Guest7011
   

   Pollution is another key threat faced by the Great Barrier Reef and declining water quality. The rivers of north eastern Australia pollute the Reef during tropical flood events. Over 90% of this pollution comes from farm runoff. Farm run-off is polluted by overgrazing, excessive fertilizer use and pesticide use.
   The runoff problem is exacerbated by the loss of coastal wetlands which act as a natural filter for toxins and help deposit sediment. It is thought that the poor water quality is due to increased light and oxygen competition from algae.

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