What is nutrient pollution, and how does it get into the ocean? Where does it come from?

Nutrient pollution is the process where too many nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, are added to bodies of water and can act like fertilizer, causing excessive growth of algae. Nutrients can run off of land in urban areas where lawn and garden fertilizers are used. When the algae and seagrass die, they decay. When it rains, the growth aids in the soil drift. These substances eventually make their way into rivers and streams. Once they reach the ocean, the many nutrients, including high levels of nitrogen, that the fertilizers are carrying are released into the water.