Wastewater input reductions reverse historic hypereutrophication of Boston Harbor, USA.

ABSTRACT: This paper documents the changes that followed large nutrient (N and P) and organic matter input reductions to a major metropolitan marine bay, Boston Harbor (USA). Before input reduction, its N and P inputs fell in the upper range of the < 1-> 300 gN m^-2 year^-1 and < 0.1-> 40 gP m^-2 year^-1 for coastal systems. Elevated nutrient and organic matter inputs are recognized causes of coastal eutrophication. Treatment upgrades and then diversion of its wastewater discharges offshore, lowered its N, P, and organic C inputs by 80-90%. The input decreases lowered its trophic status from hypereutrophic to eutrophic-mesotrophic. With the reversal of hypereutrophication, pelagic production and phytoplankton biomass decreased, and the nitrogen limitation rela

SUBMITTER: Taylor DI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6889255 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature