Scientists have predicted that the summer ‘dead zone’ seen each year in the Gulf Of Mexico will be the largest on record this year. The dead zone is an area in the gulf which is oxygen depleted. The depletion is attributed to discharge from chemicals such as fertilizers and municipal waste. This year, scientists are predicting this dead zone will cover 8,500 square miles.

According to ecologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Mississippi River flows are also down and the level of chemicals related to oxygen depletion has increased.

A possible explanation for the findings is the increase in corn production - an increase which has been driven by the demand for biofuels such as ethanol.

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