Dead Zones: Why Earth's Waters are Losing Oxygen

Reviewed by: Kathy George - Gray publlic Library, Gray, me., Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Dead zones are regions of fresh or salt water that are low in oxygen.. in the 1960's 49 such regions were identified world wide as dead zones. Today there are 500 bodies of water that carry this distinction.One of the hardest hit regions in the United States is the Gulf Coast. Where once these waters were abundant with fish, shrimp,and clams, it is now almost impossible to make a living in the fishing industry. In this case, the problem lies some 2000 miles north in the upper reaches of the Mississippi River. Farmers use fertilizer rich in nitrogen and phosphorus for their crops, they feed their cattle food rich in these same substances. The run off from these farmlands takes the nitrogen down the river into the Gulf where it feeds the algae that in turn overwhelms the water causing the oxygen to be depleted from the water.Carol Hand has done her homework.In this slim book she addresses the problem, how it began and how it has become a world wide concern. She also gives reasons of hope for reversing this form of pollution with what scientists are doing, and both print and web resources for further research. This is a must read for any one concerned about global warming and pollution.

Overall Book Score: excellent