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There are many reasons why
governments and authorities throughout the world are
deeply concerned about the effects of agricultural
pollution.
Not least is the danger to
1)Public health. In drinking water, high
concentrations of
nitrate can
cause methemoglobinemia, a potentially fatal
disease in
infants also known as blue baby syndrome.
2)Fish stocks and marine biodiversity. Eutrophication destroys
(a) spawning areas for
economically valuable fish, and
(b) habitats for other
marine life.
3)The tourist industry. Poisonous and/or unsightly and odorous
coastal waters discourage
tourists!