a greenhouse and a chicken farm are both located in a watershed which statement compares how both industries can harm water sources in the watershed

1 answer

Both a greenhouse and a chicken farm can potentially harm water sources in a watershed, but they do so in different ways.

  1. Greenhouses: They may contribute to water quality issues primarily through the use of fertilizers and pesticides. If these chemicals are not properly managed, they can run off into nearby bodies of water during rainfall, leading to nutrient pollution, algal blooms, and subsequent harm to aquatic ecosystems.

  2. Chicken Farms: These operations can impact water sources through manure runoff, which can introduce pathogens, excess nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), and antibiotics into the water system. This contamination can lead to serious water quality degradation and pose risks to both human health and the environment.

In summary, while both industries can negatively affect water sources, greenhouses primarily contribute to contamination through chemical use, whereas chicken farms tend to have a greater impact through waste runoff. Effective management practices are essential in both cases to mitigate these risks.