Total nitrogen, water

Overview

Nitrogen is a nutrient necessary for growth and reproduction. Primary sources of nitrogen are fertilizers, animal wastes, and degradation of plant material. However, excessive inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds to an aquatic environment can cause excessive algal growth resulting in eutrophication.
When algal blooms die, concentrations of dissolved oxygen are depleted, which can stress aquatic organisms and may cause taste-and-odor problems in water supplies.