pollution effect on plants and coastal erosion

Some of the worst erosion in the world in the last decade has been in the area impacted by the Caernarvon Diversion, including the marshes near Delacroix, and Fitzpatrick told the crowd there's a reason for that.

"The Mississippi River has fertilizers and pollutants in it, and organic-based soil, which is what Delacroix has, is very sensitive to fertilizers," he said.

The issue is that when plants have easy access to fertilizers, they don't grow deep roots, Fitzpatrick said. Then when strong storm surges move through, they easily rip the plants from the soil base.

Todd Masson, The Times - Picayune
    The Times-Picayune   
Louisiana's Coastal Master Plan will destroy fishing, harm coast, opponents say at Monday meeting

http://www.nola.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2013/04/louisianas_coastal_master_plan.html