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PHOSPHORUS
What is it?
Phosphorus is a necessary nutrient for plant growth.
Why test for it?
If it is present in excessive amounts, it may cause excessive
aquatic plant growth and/or algal blooms to occur. When the plants and/or algae
die, their decay will accelerate the depletion of oxygen in the water.
Where does it come from?
Sources of phosphorus may be animal wastes, industrial wastes
and/or disturbance of soils that naturally hold phosphorus. Specifically,
discharges from wastewater treatment plants, septic tanks and storm sewers; soil
erosion from construction sites and farms; and runoff containing excess soil and
fertilizers from gardens and fields can contribute to increased phosphorous
levels.
How can we prevent it from entering our surface waters?
Proper application of fertilizers on lawns, gardens and fields
will lessen the impact on stormwater runoff. Ensuring that animal and human
wastes are properly handled will help prevent surface water pollution from
phosphorous.
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