Why do we study nitrate processing?

• Nitrate leaching to groundwater is greatly increased by human inputs, such as fertilizer use and leaking septic systems.
• There is evidence of high nitrate concentrations in groundwater all over the North East US.
• Excessive nitrogen (N) can cause unsightly algae blooms in coastal ponds and estuaries which consume available oxygen and cause other organisms to die.
• Great uncertainty surrounds N cycling within coastal watersheds. Not all N entering the watershed can be traced, leaving unidentified N sinks. The fate of the remainder N is a major challenge to coastal managers.