The average phosphate molecule spends 20000 to 100000 years cycling through the ocean. To speed the replenishment of the soil, farmers include large amounts of phosphate fertilizers which can runoff into streams, rivers, and the sea. What is a possible side effect of this? Excess phosphate fertilizer produces a shortage across the entire region and hinders other agriculture

Excess phosphate fertilizer causes algae growth and oxygen decline, leading to fish kills and deadzones.

Excess phosphate washes up on the beaches, ruining the sand and shoreline.

Excess phosphate fertilizer causes rapid seaweed growth with clogs up the motors of boats and large sea-going vessels.​