Oxygen level hits record low in Mobile Bay
By Associated Press6 September 2011
MOBILE — Researchers say the water in Mobile Bay contained some of the lowest levels of oxygen on record last month.
Scientists say heavy rainfall across Alabama earlier this year pushed large amounts of water carrying fertilizers, animal waste and other pollutants into the bay. Scientists say the pollutants set the stage for the creation of dead zones.
The Press-Register reports scientists say the same mix of pollutants comes down Alabama’s rivers and causes dead zone in Mobile Bay every summer. They say the zone may be bigger than in the past.
Jubilees are extreme examples of what happens when oxygen reaches extremely low levels.
Jubilees typically occur on still nights in the heat of the summer. Fish, crabs, rays, eels, shrimp and other creatures congregate near the shore.
http://www.sunherald.com/2011/09/06/3405016/oxygen-level-hits-record-low-in.html