Nutrient Analysis

Jennifer Repa

Eutrophication

• The process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients, especially phosphates and nitrates.

• These typically promote excessive growth of algae.

• As the algae die and decompose, high levels of organic matter and the decomposing organisms deplete the water of available oxygen, causing the death of other organisms, such as fish.

Nutrient Overload

• Causes Eutrophication:• Nutrients come in many times through

sediments and other sources such as:

Eutrophication video

• http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/eutrophication.aspx

• http://www.encyclopedia.com/video/UGqZsSuG7ao-eutrophication-animation.aspx

Process of Eutrophication• Human activities create waste→ nitrates, phosphates• Both needed for plant growth • Human use of detergents, chemical fertilizers, etc

increase nitrates and phosphates• Act like fertilizer, speed

growth of algae→blooms• Blooms require more O₂

Impacts of Eutrophication

• Blooms and dying algae consume all oxygen: fish, mollusks, etc. suffocate

• Fish kills – due to nutrient overload, among other things

St. Luke’s Church site

1

2

3

GK-12 Fall 2011 Nutrient Analysis

1 2 3 40.105

0.110.115

0.120.125

0.130.135

0.14Ammonia

Pond number

Conc

entr

ation

(mg/

L)

1 2 3 40

0.0050.01

0.0150.02

0.0250.03

Nitrate

Pond number

Conc

entr

ation

(mg/

L)

1 2 3 40

0.00020.00040.00060.0008

0.0010.00120.00140.0016

Nitrite

Pond number

Conc

entr

ation

(mg/

L)