This spring, record flooding along the Mississippi River caused extensive damage in nine states, totaling more than $25 billion in damages (Watts, 2011). In most areas the floodwaters have receded, however there are fears that even a little rain could cause further flooding due to the already saturated ground. While cities and towns are beginning the recovery process, one thing caused by floods cannot be restored. Pollutants like nitrogen from fertilizers, since this area is mostly farmland, are making their way into the Gulf of Mexico. Each year pollutants traveling in the Mississippi River enter the Gulf and contribute to the coastal dead zone; however, this year the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to be the largest on record (University of Michigan, 2011; NOAA, 2011). With record levels of flooding, floodplains are unable to adequately filter pollutants, such as fertilizers, from entering streams and rivers. Along the Mississippi River, most of the land is farmland, and because there are more fields in this area of ​​the watershed, excess nitrogen-laden fertilizers wash into rivers and streams. This happens when water travels through watershed areas and collects in a floodplain. When this area is flooded, the water rises to the shore and when the waters recede, pollutants and sediments resulting from soil erosion flow into the river. Once the nitrogen from the fertilizer enters the river, it stimulates plant growth. When plant growth is excessive, a river can be a very unhealthy place. Plants that grow and thrive, such as algae, are usually found in the upper levels of the river. Since an increase in algae growth occurs with increasing nitrogen levels, it changes...... half of article ......m/releases/2011/06/110614115044.htm.University of Michigan (2011, June 14). Record "dead zone" expected in Gulf of Mexico due to Mississippi River flooding. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com-/releases/2011/06/110615091057.htm.University of Virginia (2008, May 18). Excess reactive nitrogen in the environment alarms environmental scientists. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2008/05/080515145419.htm.Watts, A. (2011, July 6). The widespread threat of flooding will continue throughout the summer. NOAA-NWS. Retrieved from http://www.worldweatherpost.com/2011/07/06/noaa-%E2%80%93-nws-on-continuing-midwest-flood-risks/.World Resources Institute. (January 20, 2011). New web-based map tracks marine 'dead zones' around the world. Retrieved from http://www.wri.org/press/2011/01/new-web-based-map-tracks-marine-dead-zones-worldwide.