Nitrogen inputs drive nitrogen concentrations in U.S. streams and rivers during summer low flow conditions.

ABSTRACT: Ecological and human health impairments related to excess nitrogen (N) in streams and rivers remain widespread in the United States (U.S.) despite recent efforts to reduce N pollution. Many studies have quantified the relationship between N loads to streams in terms of N mass and N inputs to watersheds; however, N concentrations, rather than loads, are more closely related to impacts on human health and aquatic life. Additionally, concentrations, rather than loads, trigger regulatory responses. In this study, we examined how N concentrations are related to N inputs to watersheds (atmospheric deposition, synthetic fertilizer, manure applied to agricultural land, cultivated biological N fixation, and point sources), land cover characteristics, and stream network characteristics, including st

SUBMITTER: Bellmore RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6361169 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature