Which pollutant is frequently derived from fertilizer runoff?

Nitrates are frequently derived from fertilizer runoff due to their widespread use in agricultural practices. When farmers apply fertilizers that contain nitrogen compounds to crops, these nutrients can leach into nearby water bodies through rainfall or irrigation. As a result, nitrates accumulate in the water supply, leading to eutrophication, which is a process that can cause excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen in aquatic environments.

Phosphates, though also a concern in runoff, are not as prevalent as nitrates from fertilizers, as nitrogen is often more heavily used in agricultural settings. Sulfates and carbonates are generally associated with other sources, such as industrial processes or mineral deposits, and are not typical byproducts of fertilizer application. Thus, nitrates emerge as the primary nutrient pollutant linked to agricultural runoff.