What effect does urban development have on nutrient dynamics in ecosystems?

Urban development significantly alters the natural landscape, often resulting in increased impervious surfaces such as roads and buildings. These surfaces prevent water from being absorbed into the ground, leading to higher volumes of surface runoff during rain events. As runoff increases, it carries with it nutrients from fertilizers, lawn care products, and other sources that were applied in urban areas. This process can elevate the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients in nearby waterways, contributing to issues like algal blooms and eutrophication.

Thus, urban development, by transforming natural ecosystems into urban landscapes, amplifies nutrient runoff into aquatic systems, which can have detrimental ecological effects. This change in nutrient dynamics is an important consideration for urban planners and environmental managers.