EutrophicationEutrophication

Jeff HesseJeff Hesse

EutrophicationEutrophication

DefinitionDefinition•• The increase in organic matter leading to the over The increase in organic matter leading to the over

enrichment of a systemenrichment of a system

Organic Matter created by primary producersOrganic Matter created by primary producers•• Phytoplankton or AlgaePhytoplankton or Algae•• Feed on COFeed on CO22, Sunlight, and , Sunlight, and •• NutrientsNutrients, the limiting factor, the limiting factor

Major Eutrophication LocationsMajor Eutrophication Locations

Gulf of MexicoGulf of Mexico•• Second Largest Hypoxic Zone (no Oxygen) in Second Largest Hypoxic Zone (no Oxygen) in

the Worldthe World•• Low Oxygen Concentrations extend over 7,000 Low Oxygen Concentrations extend over 7,000

square milessquare miles•• 25% of the US 25% of the US

Commercial Fishing Commercial Fishing IndustryIndustry

65% of United States 65% of United States EstuariesEstuaries

Other Major LocationsOther Major Locations

Black SeaBlack SeaBaltic SeaBaltic SeaChesapeake BayChesapeake BayLong Island SoundLong Island Sound

Primary NutrientsPrimary Nutrients

Nitrogen and PhosphorusNitrogen and Phosphorus•• Major Sources vary by LocationMajor Sources vary by Location

Long Island Sound Long Island Sound 60% of nitrogen load from wastewater of NYC60% of nitrogen load from wastewater of NYC

Chesapeake Bay Chesapeake Bay 25% of N and P loads from point sources25% of N and P loads from point sources

Mississippi River Mississippi River 10% of N and 40% P form point sources10% of N and 40% P form point sources

Non Point SourcesNon Point Sources

Erosion of soilErosion of soil•• Major phosphorus Major phosphorus

additionsadditions

Agricultural RunoffAgricultural Runoff•• Manures and fertilizersManures and fertilizers

Atmospheric DepositionAtmospheric Deposition•• Fossil Fuel CombustionFossil Fuel Combustion

Aquatic InteractionAquatic Interaction

Phytoplankton Nutrient ConsumptionPhytoplankton Nutrient Consumption

Phytoplankton Community ChangePhytoplankton Community Change•• DinofagellateDinofagellate•• CyanobacteriaCyanobacteria

Unconsumed PhytoplanktonUnconsumed Phytoplankton•• Fall to Bottom WatersFall to Bottom Waters

Aquatic InteractionsAquatic Interactions

Microbes Breakdown Microbes Breakdown PhytoplanktonPhytoplankton•• Use Oxygen during Use Oxygen during

ProcessProcess

Aquatic InteractionsAquatic Interactions

Aquatic InteractionsAquatic Interactions

Massive Algae BloomsMassive Algae Blooms•• Block Light to Plants BelowBlock Light to Plants Below

Habitat for Smaller Species is DestroyedHabitat for Smaller Species is Destroyed

Aquatic InteractionsAquatic Interactions

Major Physical ParameterMajor Physical Parameter

Discharge RateDischarge Rate•• Residence TimeResidence Time

Oxygen ReplenishmentOxygen ReplenishmentBreak StratificationBreak Stratification

Interactions ResultInteractions Result

Oxygen Depletion by MicrobesOxygen Depletion by Microbes

Blooms Blocking LightBlooms Blocking Light

•• No Food or OxygenNo Food or OxygenMobile Organisms MoveMobile Organisms MoveStationary Organisms DieStationary Organisms Die

HABHAB

Harmful Algae BloomsHarmful Algae Blooms•• Unconsumed Blooms Unconsumed Blooms •• Toxic BloomsToxic Blooms

•• Can Cause Death toCan Cause Death toFishFishSea BirdsSea BirdsAquatic MammalsAquatic Mammals

Also Death or Illness to Also Death or Illness to HumansHumans

Effects of EutrophicationEffects of Eutrophication

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