Collecting Water Nutrient Data
Detailed Description
A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources scientist collects water quality data to better understand nutrients' role in the overabundance of duckweed and algae.
Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in water could lead to an overgrowth of free-floating plants such as duckweed and filamentous algae. These overgrowths can result in dense layers of scum on the surface of the waters, and can damage below-surface plants, fish and other lake organisms by depriving them of the oxygen and sunlight they need to survive.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.
Related Content
Nutrients and Eutrophication
Like people, plants need nutrients, but too much of a good thing can be a problem. Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, occur naturally, but most of the nutrients in our waterways come from human activities and sources—fertilizers, wastewater, automobile exhaust, animal waste. The USGS investigates the source, transport, and fate of nutrients and their impacts on the world around us.
Related Content
Nutrients and Eutrophication
Like people, plants need nutrients, but too much of a good thing can be a problem. Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, occur naturally, but most of the nutrients in our waterways come from human activities and sources—fertilizers, wastewater, automobile exhaust, animal waste. The USGS investigates the source, transport, and fate of nutrients and their impacts on the world around us.