Phosphates and

Nitrates: PSA
Anna Alvis, Xander Christou, Emma
Galbraith, Lydia Heisel
At the various sites we tested the amount of nitrate and
phosphate in the water (in ppm, or parts per million). To perform
these tests, we sampled the water and added it to different
chemicals that turned the water a color relating to the amount of
phosphates or nitrates present. We then matched the water
samples color to the colorimeter and recorded the results. The
tests showed high levels of phosphate, which can result in algal
blooms that can take up all the oxygen in ecosystems, and higher
than normal levels of nitrate in the water, which can be a sign of
pollution.
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Inks Lake

Nitrate and Phosphate Levels

----X
Phosphate levels:
Inks lake-0.1ppm
Pace Bend-0.1ppm
Mansfield Dam-0.1ppm

Nitrate levels:
Inks Lake- 0.5ppm
Pace Bend- 0ppm
Mansfield Dam- 0ppm

Nitrate levels over the years:

10/26/1982- 0.04ppm
6/24/1985- 0.36ppm
1/25/1988- 0.1ppm
6/15/1992- 0.46ppm
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Phosphate and nitrate levels could be changed by

increase in farming activity around the area (more
fertilizer in the water).

Q: What can naturally contribute to nitrates?

A: Animal waste, manure, sewage, and natural fertilizers all
release nitrates that can run into water bodies.
Q: What can naturally contribute to phosphates?
A: Natural fertilizers also contain phosphates, but fewer than
nitrates because our bodies have fewer of them.
Q: What can artificially contribute to nitrates & phosphates?
A: Laundry detergents are a big artificial source of phosphates.
Nonpoint-source fertilizer runoff that comes from many
sources and industrial waste are also some of the biggest
releasers of phosphates and nitrates.
Q: Is there a way humans are indirectly or directly contributing
to the level of nitrates & phosphates?
A: Improper/unsustainable waste/sewage management,
unsustainable farming techniques, release of car exhaust, and
unsustainable commercial/industrial processes leading to
runoff are all human actions.
Q: Can the effects of too much nitrate and phosphate
concentration be reversed?
A: You cant really neutralize the effects by dumping more
chemicals in the water, but when left to its own devices and
protected from pollution, a water body can usually recover and
return to normality on its own.
Q: What can we do to prevent further changes?
A: Governments do listen when the people take action. When
citizens confronted Austin City Council in 1991, it banned
laundry detergents containing over .5% phosphates. This
started a chain reaction leading to other Texan cities placing
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similar bans. It also helps to fertilize your plants responsibly.

Artificial fertilizers might grow plants faster, but they make it
much easier to use too much and cause damage to the soil and
your local water bodies. Save money by not over-fertilizing,
and dispose properly of your waste and garbage.

Q: What effect can this potentially have on the biodiversity

around it?
A: Nitrates can cause major pollution, while phosphates
accelerate algae and aquatic plant growth that can clog up
waters and kill animals.
Q: What part of the ecosystem can high/low levels of
nitrates/phosphates affect?
A: Pollution and plant overgrowth causes problems for
everyone in the community, including humans.
Q: Did you see an effect on biodiversity at the site?
A: Yes, there were lots of algae and aquatic plants growing,
which means that higher nitrates and phosphates had an effect
on the water.

Nitrate Levels:
0.01 - 0.03 mg/L - the level in uncontaminated lakes
0.025 - 0.1 mg/L - level at which plant growth is
stimulated
0.1 mg/L - maximum acceptable to avoid accelerated
eutrophication
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> 0.1 mg/L - accelerated growth and consequent

problems
-(Water, Water Everywhere. HACH Company. Second Edition. 1983.)

WHY NITRATES AND

PHOSPHATES CAN BE
HARMFUL
----X
Too many nitrates can
create conditions that
make it difficult for fish
and insects to survive. It
can also cause algae to
grow out of control. If
you drink water with too
many nitrates it can
interfere with the ability of red blood cells to
transport vital oxygen. A high phosphate level can
result in enhanced production of primary producers
(EX. water plants), reducing ecosystem stability.
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Nitrate and Phosphate Levels affect water sources

LINKS

http://www.water-research.net/index.php/phosphates
http://www.water-research.net/index.php/nitrate
http://www.lcra.org/water/quality/Pages/default.aspx
http://hydromet.lcra.org/riverreport/
http://waterquality.lcra.org/
https://water.usgs.gov/edu/nitrogen.html
https://water.usgs.gov/edu/phosphorus.html
http://www.water-research.net/index.php/phosphate-in-water