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Nutrient pollution, a form of water pollution, refers to contamination by excessive inputs of nutrients.It is a primary cause of eutrophication of surface waters (lakes, rivers and coastal waters), in which excess nutrients, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, stimulate algal growth. [1]
More than half of the basin’s miles of rivers and streams were in poor condition for nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer that drains into waterways, the agency found.
The sources of this nitrogen are unknown and the reasons as to why nitrate is increasing in some areas of the Mississippi River Basin while decreasing in others is still a mystery. [11] However, nitrate concentrations were higher during the fall and winter months as opposed to the spring and summer months.
Approximately 78% of Earth's atmosphere is N gas (N 2), which is an inert compound and biologically unavailable to most organisms.In order to be utilized in most biological processes, N 2 must be converted to reactive nitrogen (Nr), which includes inorganic reduced forms (NH 3 and NH 4 +), inorganic oxidized forms (NO, NO 2, HNO 3, N 2 O, and NO 3 −), and organic compounds (urea, amines, and ...
Nitrogen gas is the most abundant molecule in earth's atmosphere, comprising about 78 percent of the total composition of air, [13] however not typically a large source of nitrogen to the river. This form of nitrogen, dinitrogen gas ( N 2 {\displaystyle {\ce {N2}}} ), is inert and biologically unavailable to most living organisms.
Throughout the river, there were consistently high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, along with high levels of other contaminants contributing to the poor quality of life for bottom feeders along the river. [36] The main cause of the pollution to the Elizabeth river has been the military and industrial activities through the 1990s. [37]
Residents living near the river say they have been suffering unexplained illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues and chronic breathing problems, because of the stench of hydrogen sulfide.
Soils that receive nitrogen fertilizers can also be damaged. An increase in plant available nitrogen will increase a crop's net primary production, and eventually, soil microbial activity will increase as a result of the larger inputs of nitrogen from fertilizers and carbon compounds through decomposed biomass.