Nitrogen Pollution...Just one US Example Among Thousands

In 2010, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services listed parts of the Bellamy River, Cocheco River, Exeter River, Great Bay, Lamprey River, Oyster River, Piscataqua River, and Salmon Falls Rivers as impaired or threatened by nitrogen pollution. Simply stated, New Hampshire’s coastal waters are in trouble, and the danger comes from people over fertilizing and causing N2 pollution in our waters.

Why is this a problem?

Excessively high nitrogen levels in a water body can trigger explosive algae growth known as algal blooms. As the algae dies, it depletes dissolved oxgyen levels in the water and block out sunlight, potentially leading to a loss of habitat for fish and aquatic plants. This deadly process is known as eutrophication.
The Great Bay Estuary is already exhibiting signs of eutrophication:

• 42% increase in total nitrogen to the estuary load in just five years
• Adult oyster populations in the estuary have plummeted from 125,000 bushels in 1997 to just 10,044 in 2009.
• 1990-2008: 65% percent decline in eelgrass habitat

Source: Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership. State of the Estuaries 2009