Nitrogen from animal waste can be stored in bodies of water primarily in the form of nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), and organic nitrogen compounds. When animal waste enters water bodies, it can contribute to nutrient loading, which may lead to eutrophication—a process that causes excessive growth of algae and can deplete oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life.
Here's how nitrogen is typically processed in water:
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Nitrate: After animal waste is deposited in water, bacteria convert ammonium into nitrate through a process called nitrification. Nitrates are highly soluble and can persist in water bodies.
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Ammonium: Ammonium is another form of inorganic nitrogen found in animal waste. It can be less stable and may undergo further conversion to nitrate.
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Organic Nitrogen: This includes nitrogen contained in organic matter from decaying plant and animal materials and can be broken down by microorganisms into inorganic forms.
Efforts to manage nitrogen levels in water bodies often involve strategies to reduce runoff from agricultural and livestock operations to prevent excess nitrogen from entering aquatic ecosystems.