b'MORE THAN FERTILIZERFertilizer runoff from farm fields isn\'t the only source of nutrients.In the American Midwest, agricultural runoff isDust and ash from wildfires are also proving to not just inclusive of fertilizer, but also of animalbe contributors to eutrophication. The 2019-2020 waste, said Dr. Stephanie A. Smith, our residentAustralian wildfires triggered algal blooms in the microbiology and algae expert at Xylem. Southern Ocean downwind of Australia. 8In states where hog farming is prominent, theOther areas of the worldsuch as the waste from confined animal feeding operationsNorthwestern United Stateshave seen similar (CAFOs) has to go somewhere. It is a significantimpacts from intense, devastating fires. contributor to nutrients in our waterways. In other parts of the world, its human waste.To learn how wildfires negatively impact watersheds, check out our infographic from In highly arid regions, dust storms can actuallyMission: Water Issue #7.deliver nutrients. With the red tides in the Gulf of Mexico, scientists have learned nutrients from dust storms that occur in the Middle East contribute to nutrient enrichmentthese ginormous dust clouds traverse the ocean and land in the Gulf of Mexico. It\'s pretty incredible to think about,"added Dr. Smith. 42 MISSION: WATER'