Stories tagged phosphorus

Eutrophication: Agricultural run-off rich in fertilizers stimulates rampant growth of algae.
Courtesy NASA

Human populations effect lakes

Human sewage and fertilizer runoff effects the health of lakes. It often causes huge algal blooms, kills fish, and creates other problems.

Long term study of "cultural eutrophication" released

For 37 years researchers have examined the best ways to control this "cultural eutrophication" process of lakes by varying the levels of phosphorous and nitrogen added to the lake.

After completing one of the longest running experiments ever done on a lake, researchers from the University of Alberta, University of Minnesota and the Freshwater Institute, contend that nitrogen control, in which the European Union and many other jurisdictions around the world are investing millions of dollars, is not effective and in fact, may actually increase the problem of cultural eutrophication.

Time to rethink current practices for healthy lakes

"David Schindler, professor of ecology at the University of Alberta, and one of the leading water researchers in the world, wants to change current practice in controlling nitrogen runoff by stating that

"Controlling nitrogen does not correct the polluted lakes, and in fact, may actually aggravate the problem and make it worse."

This study done by the University of Alberta, University of Minnesota and the Freshwater Institute appears in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Source: PhysOrg.com

Tags : University of Minnesota, University of Alberta, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, phosphorus, nitrogen cycle, lakes, Freshwater Institute, ecology, cultural eutrophication

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On April 6, officials from Minnesota and Wisconsin signed an agreement designed to reduce levels of phosphorus in the St. Croix River by 20% by the year 2020.

For more information about phosphorus in the St. Croix visit the Buzz kiosk in the Mississippi River Gallery on level 5, or check out our on-line feature.

Tags : minnesota, saint croix, wisconsin, politics, policy, phosphorus

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