Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Nutrient cycling in riverbed sediment in the Maumee River Basin, 2021 Data

The Maumee River transports huge loads of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to Lake Erie. The increased concentrations of N and P are causing eutrophication of the lake, creating hypoxic zones, and contributing to phytoplankton blooms. It is hypothesized that the P loads are a major contributor to harmful algal blooms that occur in the western basin of Lake Erie, particularly in summer. The Maumee River has been identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a priority watershed where action needs to be taken to reduce nutrient loads. This study quantified rates of biogeochemical processes affecting downstream flux of N and P by 1) measuring indices of potential sediment P retention and 2) measuring nitrification and ambient and potential denitrification throughout the Maumee River Basin. Data generated from this project will inform models that estimate P retention and N removal potential in the basin and watershed models that simulate the effects of different conservation practices on the landscape.