How does nutrient runoff from logging affect water bodies?

Nutrient runoff from logging can significantly impact water bodies by introducing an excess of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, into the aquatic ecosystem. This influx can lead to eutrophication, which is the process where water bodies receive an abundance of nutrients that stimulate excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. As these organisms die and decompose, the resulting increase in microbial activity consumes dissolved oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxic conditions that can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic organisms.

Poor water quality resulting from nutrient runoff can cause a variety of issues including harmful algal blooms, which can produce toxins that are hazardous to both aquatic life and humans. It can also disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem, leading to a decline in biodiversity as some species may be more sensitive to changes in water quality than others. Thus, understanding the consequences of nutrient runoff is critical for forest management practices aimed at protecting water bodies and the wildlife that depend on them.