Nutrient Pollution Plagues Streams, Aquifers Despite Regulatory Efforts, USGS Study Finds

摘要

Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus have remained the same or increased in many streams and aquifers across the nation since the early 1990s, posing a long-term ecosystem threat from excessive nutrients, according to a report released Sept. 24 by the U.S. Geological Survey.rnNutrients, essential for plant growth, can stimulate growth of large amounts of algae and other plants in streams, lakes, and coastal waters. Decay of the algae and other plants then can deplete oxygen in water and create "dead" zones that stress or kill aquatic life.