Nutrient Pollution

The Effects

Sign: Notice - An algae bloom has made this area potentially unsafe for water contact. Avoid direct contact with visible surface scum.

Nutrient pollution can have various effects on human health, the environment and the economy.

Nutrient pollution is one of America's most widespread, costly and challenging environmental problems. Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus in water and from the air can cause health problems in people, fish and animals, and damage our forests, lakes, rivers, streams and oceans.

Nutrient pollution also takes a toll on the economy, negatively affecting sectors such as tourism, commercial fishing, recreation, hunting, real estate, and water treatment which depend on clean water. Federal, state and local governments spend billions of dollars per year to combat nutrient pollution or prevent its effects.

Learn more about:

Human health effects
Environmental effects
Economic effects
Harmful algal blooms and dead zones

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Nutrient Pollution Home
The Problem
Sources and Solutions
The Effects
Where this Occurs
What You Can Do
Policy and Data