Nutrients

Nutrient pollution is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the air and water. Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients that are natural parts of aquatic ecosystems. Nitrogen is also the most abundant element in the air we breathe. Nitrogen and phosphorus support the growth of algae and aquatic plants, which provide food and habitat for fish, shellfish and smaller organisms that live in water. But when too much nitrogen and phosphorus enter the environment - usually from a wide range of human activities - the air and water can become polluted. Nutrient pollution has impacted many streams, rivers, lakes, bays and coastal waters for the past several decades, resulting in serious environmental and human health issues, and impacting the economy.

-- Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Overview

Oxygen for life: Understanding how low dissolved oxygen in Puget Sound affects marine ecosystems
A 2025 report from the University of Washington Puget Sound Institute compiles a series of articles and overviews describing the impacts of nutrients on dissolved oxygen in Puget Sound.
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Report cover

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