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How can livestock manure pollute air and water?

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Livestock manure significantly impacts environmental health by acting as a major source of both air and water pollution.

Water Pollution

Manure contributes to water contamination primarily through runoff from feedlots and agricultural areas. When feces and urine enter local waterways, they introduce excess plant nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which can lead to eutrophication. This process depletes dissolved oxygen, harming aquatic life. Furthermore, nitrogen in the form of nitrates can leach into groundwater, posing serious health risks to humans and livestock. Because manure runoff is often a dispersed source of pollution, it is difficult to contain compared to point-source discharges.1234

Air Pollution

Manure also degrades air quality through several mechanisms:
* Noxious Emissions: The decomposition of animal waste releases pervasive odors that can negatively impact the respiratory health of nearby human communities, raising significant environmental justice concerns.3
* Dust: In arid regions, dried manure creates dust that blows freely, further contributing to air pollution.3
* Greenhouse Gases: Intensive farming operations are major sources of methane and nitrous oxide, which are potent greenhouse gases that drive the climate crisis.3