Nitrogen enters water bodies from a variety of sources, including fertilizers, wastewater treatment plants, and septic tanks. Phosphorus enters water bodies from fertilizers, animal manure, and soil erosion.
When nitrogen and phosphorus levels are too high, they can cause algal blooms. Algae are microscopic plants that grow in water. When there is too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the water, algae can grow very quickly and form large colonies. These colonies can block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, which can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in the water. Low oxygen levels can kill fish and other aquatic life.
In addition to algal blooms, nitrogen and phosphorus can also cause other water quality problems, such as:
* Eutrophication: This is the process by which a body of water becomes enriched with nutrients, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in the growth of algae and other plants.
* Fish kills: When oxygen levels in the water are too low, fish and other aquatic life can die.
* Taste and odor problems: Nitrogen and phosphorus can cause water to taste and smell bad.
* Corrosion of pipes and fixtures: Nitrogen and phosphorus can corrode pipes and fixtures, leading to leaks and other problems.
To protect water quality, it is important to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering water bodies. This can be done by:
* Reducing fertilizer use: Farmers can reduce fertilizer use by using precision agriculture techniques, which allow them to apply fertilizer only where and when it is needed.
* Improving wastewater treatment: Wastewater treatment plants can remove nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater before it is discharged into water bodies.
* Using septic tanks properly: Septic tanks should be properly maintained and pumped out regularly to prevent nitrogen and phosphorus from leaking into groundwater.
* Reducing soil erosion: Soil erosion can carry nitrogen and phosphorus into water bodies. To reduce soil erosion, farmers can use conservation tillage practices, which leave crop residue on the soil surface, and plant cover crops, which help to hold the soil in place.