- Definition: Eutrophication is the term used to describe low oxygen levels in water bodies caused by excess nutrients, specifically phosphorus or nitrogen.
- Explanation of Limiting Nutrients
- Nitrogen is the limiting nutrient in freshwater bodies.
- Phosphorus is the limiting nutrient in saltwater bodies.
- Dissolved Oxygen: Plants, including algae, consume oxygen at night, reducing the dissolved oxygen content in the water.
- Problems with Eutrophicaton
- Fish kills
- It’s ugly
- It’s expensive to clean up
- Examples of Large Scale Eutrophication
- FRESHWATER: Lake Erie
- SALTWATER: Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone
- Point Source vs Non-Point Source Water Pollution
- EXAMPLES
- Point Source
- Effluent from a wastewater treatment plant
- Effluent from an industrial facility
- Non-Point Source
- Dogs pooping in parks
- Fertilizer use on lawns, landscaping, and agriculture
- Soil erosion during a big storm
- Point Source
- EFFECTIVENESS OF REGULATION STRATEGIES
- Point Source: National Point Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits
- Non-Point Source: Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plans
- EXAMPLES
- Prevention Strategies for Non-Point Source Pollution
- COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNS
- Responsible fertilizer use on lawns and landscaping
- Picking up after your dog
- CITY INFRASTRUCTURE
- Permeable surfaces
- Water detention/retention basins
- Riparian buffers
- AGRICULTURE
- Riparian buffers
- Fertilizer management
- Conservation tillage
- Manure management
- Livestock access to water
- COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNS