The Gulf of Mexico's "Dead Zone" is caused by high levels of ____ in the Mississippi River.
A) coliform bacteria
B) phytoplankton
C) plant fertilizers
D) algae
E) cyanobacteria

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "Dead Zone" in the Gulf of Mexico is primarily caused by high levels of plant fertilizers (nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus) that are carried by the Mississippi River into the Gulf. These nutrients fuel the growth of algae, leading to algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water, creating hypoxic conditions harmful to marine life.

The Gulf of Mexico's "Dead Zone" Is Caused by High