A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from Manitoba and Saskatchewan has uncovered that a widely used fertilizer responsible for nourishing a significant portion of the global population can potentially harm close to half of the freshwater bodies on the Canadian Prairies.
Cale Gushulak, an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba’s biological sciences department involved in the study, emphasized the reliance of approximately two-thirds of the world’s population on urea and similar nitrogen-based fertilizers for crop cultivation. Despite this dependence, there has been limited exploration into the impacts of urea on aquatic environments.
To simulate the effects of agricultural fertilization in the southern Prairies, researchers from the University of Manitoba and University of Regina introduced urea into farm ponds in Saskatchewan. The results exhibited a substantial increase in the growth of microalgae, surpassing levels observed in already compromised ecosystems like Lake Winnipeg. The excess algae depleted essential oxygen from the ponds, highlighting the adverse consequences when fertilizers seep into water bodies.
Gushulak expressed concerns over the widespread prevalence of urea and its potential global ramifications, pointing out the detrimental effects on water quality and aquatic life. The study indicated that nearly half of the lakes, wetlands, and reservoirs across the Prairie region could be detrimentally affected by prolonged urea use, leading to ecological instability.
The research shed light on the vulnerability of agricultural areas in China and the United States to similar damage caused by urea infiltration. Gushulak stressed the importance of addressing the issue through improved fertilizer technology and land management practices to prevent further contamination of freshwater sources.
While acknowledging the significance of the study, Asim Biswas, a professor at the University of Guelph, cautioned against oversimplifying the impact of urea on water bodies, emphasizing the interplay with existing phosphorus levels. He highlighted the need for a nuanced approach, considering factors such as phosphorus concentrations in shallow water bodies.
Gushulak emphasized that despite not every water body being equally affected by urea, the majority of global agricultural regions with fertile lowlands and shallow water bodies are at risk. The findings challenge the perception of Canada’s abundant freshwater resources, revealing ongoing challenges in maintaining water quality amidst changing environmental conditions.
As urea continues to infiltrate freshwater bodies, Gushulak warned of potential deterioration in water quality and increased costs associated with water usage. He underscored the importance of proactive measures to safeguard water resources amid evolving climate patterns, ensuring sustainable access to water for various needs.