Nutrient Water Pollution from Unsustainable Patterns of Agricultural Systems, Effects and Measures of Integrated Farming

Abstract

Nowadays, agricultural practices require special attention due to their important contribution to water pollution, the more so as they are associated with environmental and health impairments. Despite legislation addressing nutrient pollution, there are still high levels of nutrients in water bodies, as evidenced by the results identified in the literature. Among nutrients of environmental concern identified in water and associated with agricultural practices are nitrogen and phosphorus. When applied in excess under fertilizer form, these nutrients accumulate in water bodies with consequences such as eutrophication or human health impairments if water is used for drinking. The purpose of this review paper is to present the current state of nutrient water pollution generated by unsustainable agricultural practices. In addition, are presented the main legislative regulations addressing water quality imposed by the European Union, are described aspects related to nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from agriculture, and levels of nutrients in water bodies from different European countries. Also, effects of agricultural pollution on the environment and humans are discussed, and possible strategies that could be employed to decrease or prevent water pollution are reviewed.