Excess nitrogen and phosphorus (“nutrients”) loadings continue to affect ecosystem function and human health across the U.S. Our ability to connect atmospheric inputs of nutrients to aquatic end points remains limited due to uncoupled air and water quality monitoring. Where connections exist, the information provides insights about source apportionment, trends, risk to sensitive ecosystems, and efficacy of pollution reduction efforts. We examine several issues driving the need for better integrated monitoring, including: coastal eutrophication, urban hotspots of deposition, a shift from oxidized to reduced nitrogen deposition, and the disappearance of pristine lakes. Successful coordination requires consistent data reporting; collocating deposition and water quality monitoring; improving phosphorus deposition measurements; and filling coverage gaps in urban corridors, agricultural areas, undeveloped watersheds, and coastal zones.
DATA/REPORT DETAILS
What Goes Up Must Come Down: Integrating Air and Water Quality Monitoring.
- Published on:
- Science Area(s): Biological Effects of Contaminants and Nutrients, Stressor Impacts and Mitigation
- Primary Contact(s): dave.whitall@noaa.gov
Citation:
Amos, H.M., C.F. Miniat, J. Lynch, J. Compton, P.H. Templer, L.A. Sprague, D. Shaw, D. Burns, A. Rea, D. Whitall, L. Myles, D. Gay, M. Nilles, J. Walker, A.K. Rose, J. Bales, J. Deacon, and R. Pouyat
Amos, H.M., C.F. Miniat, J. Lynch, J. Compton, P.H. Templer, L.A. Sprague, D. Shaw, D. Burns, A. Rea, D. Whitall, L. Myles, D. Gay, M. Nilles, J. Walker, A.K. Rose, J. Bales, J. Deacon, and R. Pouyat
Data/Report Type:
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Description
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