Phosphorus Eutrophication and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) eutrophication in the aquatic system is a global problem. With a negative impact on health industry, food security, tourism industry, ecosystem health and economy. The sources of P include both point and nonpoint sources. Controlling P inflow from point sources to aquatic systems have been more manageable, however controlling nonpoint P sources especially agricultural sources remains a challenge. The forms of P include both organic and inorganic. Runoff and soil erosion are the major agents of translocating P to the aquatic system in form of particulate and dissolved P. Excessive P cause growth of algae bloom, anoxic conditions, altering plant species composition and biomass, leading to fish kill, food webs disruption, toxins production and recreational areas degradation. Phosphorus eutrophication mitigation strategies include controlling nutrient loads and ecosystem restoration. Point P sources could be controlled through restructuring industrial layout. Controlling nonpoint nutrient loads need catchment management to focus on farm scale, field scale and catchment scale management as well as employ human intervention which includes ferric dosing, on farm biochar application and flushing and dredging of floor deposits. Ecosystem restoration for eutrophication mitigation involves phytoremediation, wetland restoration, riparian area restoration and river/lake maintenance/restoration. Combination of interventions could be required for successful eutrophication mitigation.

Pepper Bacterial Spot Control by Bacillus velezensis: Bioprocess Solution

“…When it comes to the predicted values of residual nutrients’ content, it can be seen that they were reduced compared to the first optimization set: glycerol by 31.22%, total nitrogen content by 42.5%, and total phosphorus content by 95.32%. The most significant achievement in this particular case is the reduction of residual phosphorus content, considering that phosphorus, originating from wastestreams disposed in the natural aquatic ecosystems, is the main nutrient responsible for eutrophication [ 49 ]. Nevertheless, it can also be noticed that the predicted value of the inhibition zone diameter, and therefore, also the desirability function value, were reduced.…”

A comparative evaluation of surface water quality standards for lakes and fish ponds from Bucharest and vicinity

“…Phosphorus is an important nutrient but elevated concentrations lead to eutrophication, which consists of blooms of harmful algae, increased frequency of anoxic events, and death of aquatic organisms. Also, there are direct consequences on water quality, human/animal healthy, tourism, food/fishing industry [29].…”

Strategies for Sustainable and Circular Management of Phosphorus in the Baltic Sea Region: The Holistic Approach of the InPhos Project

“…These measures improved the situation in some areas, such as Lake Erie (USA) and Lake Geneva (France) [18]. Starting from the beginning of 20th century, different types of strategies were proposed and introduced to address also other sources of P [19]. In [20], the strategies adopted by different areas affected by eutrophication were collected and sorted in clear categories, that can be summarized in (i) legal strategies: regulatory standards for nutrient pollution control, regulatory limits and caps, policies for ecosystem protection and restoration; (ii) technical strategies: research, monitoring and evaluation; (iii) financial strategies: economic and fiscal incentives; and (iv) social strategies: education and outreach, actions to strengthen institution and capacity to reduce nutrient pollution.…”

“…(2000/60/EC) set some specific targets about nutrient contents in "waste" streams to obtain and/or maintain water bodies with a suitable ecological status. Since eutrophication impacts the environment, the economy, and human health (the three pillars of the sustainability), it derives that all these types of strategies and actions are intercorrelated and have to be supported by a suitable legislative framework [19].…”