Research Areas > Nutrients
Research Theme: Nutrients
Nutrient over-enrichment is a leading cause of impairment for the nation’s waters. Excessive nutrient inputs can cause "eutrophication", an increase in the production of organic matter through algal blooms or aquatic plants. Eutrophication can occur in estuaries, lagoons, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal waters. Negative effects of eutrophication include toxin-forming harmful algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen in the water, poor aesthetic condition, odor, a decline in fisheries, altered food webs, and loss of critical habitat.
SCCWRP Research
SCCWRP’s nutrient-related research aims to increase understanding of the extent and magnitude of eutrophication in southern California, and to study the factors that control the biological response of an aquatic ecosystem to nutrient loading. In addition, SCCWRP scientists are working to provide a set of assessment tools and models that will improve management of nutrient-related water quality issues.
Nutrient-related research areas include:
Introduction of large amounts of nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, into waterways may lead to excessive growth of organic matter and subsequent negative effects of such growth.
This page was last updated on: 1/24/2011