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Phosphorous and Nitrogen Pollution

Phosphorous and Nitrogen Pollution. Eutrophication pollution. Eutrophication – the enrichment of surface waters with excessive nutrients Mainly referring to by phosphorous and nitrogen Causes algae blooms Algae consume all the oxygen, creates “dead spot” Reduce fish and shellfish harvests

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Phosphorous and Nitrogen Pollution

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  1. Phosphorous and Nitrogen Pollution

  2. Eutrophication pollution • Eutrophication – the enrichment of surface waters with excessive nutrients • Mainly referring to by phosphorous and nitrogen • Causes algae blooms • Algae consume all the oxygen, creates “dead spot” • Reduce fish and shellfish harvests • Foul odor • Dying organisms release chemicals toxic to human nervous system • Nitrogen directly toxic to humans (P is not) • Blue Baby Disease

  3. Sources • P and N excess caused by runoff from fertilizer for crops and livestock manure • Point sources – Released at specific location that is large contributor • Pipes from: • Waste treatment facility • Manufacturing plants • Massive commercial farms • Nonpoint sources – Spread out distribution into water system • Small farms and gardens, urban runoff, abandoned mines, atmospheric deposition, pet waste

  4. What can be done? • P and N pollution can be reduced by limiting the amount of P and N that enters the water cycle • Recycle manure for use as fertilizer • Do not over-fertilize crops • Treat livestock waste like human waste facility • Create vegetation buffer zones in locations of high runoff • Increase wetlands (they consume nitrogen) • Reduce fossil fuel use • Plant forests and vegetation along riverbanks • Establish laws that limit acceptable P and N concentrations in soil

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