Evaluation of Nitrogen and Phosphate Runoff from Residential Areas

Overview

Objectives/Goals Fertilizer contamination in runoff surface water is an important source of eutrophication and can have a number of negative environmental and economic impacts. Agricultural runoff is a major source of this contamination, but runoff from residential areas also may contribute. This study tests for nitrate and phosphate contamination in residential runoff water under real world conditions. Methods/Materials Several residential areas situated in canyons were identified. During or shortly after a rain storm, runoff water was collected from areas above, inteh middle of, adn below residential plots. Nitrate and phosphate levels were tested in the samples using a public health department laboratory. Results Nitrate and phosphates levels in the middle of and below the residential areas were significantly higher then levels from above the residential areas. Conclusions/Discussion These results demonstrate that residential areas are a source of nitrate and phosphate contamination in runoff water and hence contribute to eutrophication. This has implications for recommended residentila gardening paractices as well as possible regulatory implications.

Competition history

• CSEF 2012 Environmental Science · Entry S1106

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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