Agricultural runoff
1- Nitrogen fertilizers applied to crops can be easily washed away by rain or irrigation water before plants can absorb them. This runoff carries excess nitrogen into nearby streams and rivers, which eventually flow into the Chesapeake Bay.
2- Manure from livestock operations also contains high levels of nitrogen. When manure is not properly managed, it can contaminate surface and groundwater with nitrogen.
Wastewater treatment plants discharge
1- Human sewage contains nitrogen in the form of ammonia and urea. When wastewater treatment plants are not properly maintained or overloaded, they can discharge treated wastewater that still contains high levels of nitrogen. This discharge contributes to nitrogen pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
Atmospheric deposition
1- Nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere from vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities. These oxides can be transported long distances by wind and eventually deposited on land and water, contributing to nitrogen pollution.
