Nitrogen is important to all living things
Nutrients such as nitrogen occur naturally in both freshwater and saltwater. Plants and animals need nutrients to grow and survive. But when too much nitrogen enters the Chesapeake Bay, it can fuel the growth of algae, creating dense blooms that block the sunlight and reduce oxygen for fish, blue crabs, and other organisms.
In general, nitrogen reaches the Chesapeake Bay from these sources: agricultural runoff; vehicle and power plant emissions; wastewater treatment plants and septic systems; and urban and suburban stormwater runoff. Source: Chesapeake Bay Program.
Animal manure, heavily used as fertilizer in agriculture, is recognized as a major source of nitrogen.
Wastewater treatment plants, if not upgraded with new technologies, contribute nitrogen and other nutrients to local waterways.
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