Nutrients

As a result of run-off and leaching from agricultural fields and municipal wastewaters, nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) are finding their way into aquatic ecosystems at levels that can cause eutrophication – impairment due to the over-production of algae. Scientists from Environment Canada’s Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance programme assess the levels and trends over time of nutrients in selected ecosystems.

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Water Quality Status and Trends of Nutrients in Major Drainage Areas of Canada

This report is a first-ever national level assessment of nutrients in Canadian watersheds based on data from Environment Canada water quality monitoring sites operated in conjunction with federal, provincial and territorial partners. Status (2004-06) and trends (1990-2006) were assessed for four nutrient species.

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Web articles

Phosphorus in Canada’s Aquatic Ecosystems (2011)

Scientists have been tracking and researching nutrients in freshwaters across Canada since the 1960’s. The following article provides highlights of a national level assessment of nutrients in Canadian watersheds based on data from Environment Canada water quality monitoring stations operated in conjunction with federal, provincial and territorial partners.

Phosphorus and Excess Algal Growth (2011)

During the 1960s, water quality issues in the Great Lakes became a public concern. In particular, Lake Erie was perceived to be ‘dying’ because of extensive algal growth that occurred throughout the lake as a result of excessive inputs of phosphorus.

Phosphorus at the mouths of lake Saint-Pierre Tributaries (2011)

Between 2005 and 2010, the average concentrations of phosphorus measured at the mouths of the Saint-François and Nicolet rivers oscillated around values corresponding to a eutrophic environment. However, it was at the mouth of the Yamaska River that the highest concentrations were observed and where conditions were hypereutrophic.

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Technical summaries and reports

Water Quality Status and Trends of Nutrients in Major Drainage Areas of Canada (2011)

This report is a first-ever national level assessment of nutrients in Canadian watersheds based on data from Environment Canada water quality monitoring sites operated in conjunction with federal, provincial and territorial partners. Status (2004-06) and trends (1990-2006) were assessed for four nutrient species.

Nutrients and Their Impact on the Canadian Environment (2001)

National Water River Institut led a comprehensive review of the effects of nutrients from human activities on the Canadian environment. Undertaken to meet the Government of Canada's commitment to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, the review documents the nature and extent to which nutrients derived from human activity may be impairing Canadian ecosystems and affecting the quality of life and health of Canadians.