Sources of Nitrogen
What is the main source of nitrogen on a LIVESTOCK farm?
How does Nitrogen end up in aquatic ecosystems?
Water runoff from farmers fields
Which lake's algae bloom is so large that it can be seen from outer space satellite images?
Lake Winnipeg
How is human sewage and waste water purified in cities?
Collected and sent to a waste water treatment plant to undergo purifying before being released back into the rivers and lakes
What kind of plants should be planted to absorb and use the excess nitrogen?
cat tails, bulrushes (marsh like plants)
What is the main source of nitrogen on an AGRICULTURAL farm?
fertilizers
Too much Nitrogen can result in the growth of what in aquatic ecosystems?
Algae Blooms
If fish and shellfish cannot live in the water because there isn't enough oxygen, they'll die or leave. Those industries that fish for money will not have anything to catch.
How is human sewage treated in rural areas?
septic fields (different layers of rock, gravel and bacteria to purify the sewage)
When should you avoid fertilizing your grass or flowers?
Before a forecasted rainfall or thunderstorm
What is a natural source of nitrogen from the sky?
Nitrates that are formed from lightning (converting N2 into NO3)
What are the 3 factors that can lead to the growth of algae blooms?
Lots of sunlight, warmer water, excess of nutrients
Which algae produces a harmful toxin?
Blue-Green algae
How if human sewage dealt with at a remote cabin location?
Septic tanks that must be pumped out and transported to a waste water facility to be purified
How can you ensure waste is not getting into the groundwater?
Having septic tanks and fields inspected properly. Getting septic tanks properly pumped out.
Nitrifying bacteria and nitrogen fixing bacteria
What is the fancy term used to describe a body of water with lots of nutrients and algae growth?
Eutrophication
What are some impacts of ingesting toxic lake water?
upset stomach, diarrhea, can kill small pets and make them sick
Why should back country campers be careful to bury feces deep in the ground far away from a body of water?
So that the nitrogen is not washed into the body of water when it rain. Rather it will stay in the soil and decompose and become fertilizer in the soil
What is an alternative to using chemical fertilizers on crops?
Plants legumes, they naturally produce nitrogen for the soil
What is a source of Nitrogen from cities and towns?
sewage and waste water
What phenomena is caused by large algae blooms?
Dead Zones
What causes dead zones?
Excess nitrogen causes algae blooms to grow. When the algae dies, they sink to the bottoms and are decomposed by bacteria (which use up oxygen). They use up all the oxygen in the water and suffocate fish and other aquatic plants and animals.
How might raw sewage accidentally end up in a lake or river?
How does the city of California help with recycling nutrients back into the soil?
Composting food waste