Nitrates (NO₃^-)

 

Nitrogen is needed by all living plants to live and make proteins. Nitrogen is more abundant in nature then phosphorus. (N₂) is the most common form of nitrogen. It makes up 79% of the air we breathe. Aquatic animals get nitrogen by eating blue-green plants or algae. Too much nitrogen is no good for aquatic systems because it will cause cultural eutrophication.

 

Biotic influences: Excrement from ducks and geese produce and contain a lot of nitrogen.

 

Abiotic Influences: improperly working septic systems can leak and wastewater can seep into a underground stream or lake.

 

 

Our Data:

 

St. Charles: 2.2mg/L

                   Q-value 95

                   Total 9.5

Batavia – 3.9mg/L

              Q-value 97

              Total 9.7