http://www.pca.state.mn.us

tinyURL : jsrifaa | ID : 254Home   >   Water   >   Monitoring and Reporting   >   Water Quality and Pollutants   >   Phosphorus

main content

Detailed assessments of phosphorus sources to Minnesota watersheds

Scientific studies funded by the Legislature into how much phosphorus enters Minnesota's lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams, and where it comes from in each of the state's ten major watersheds. Questions, comments and requests for additional information can be directed to Dennis Wasley at the MPCA, 651-757-2809, toll-free at 1-800-657-3864, or by e-mail at dennis.wasley@state.mn.us.

Atmospheric deposition: 2007 update

PDF Document Detailed Assessment of Phosphorus Sources to Minnesota Watersheds - Atmospheric Deposition - 2007 Update (pstudy-2007updatememo)


Addresses atmospheric deposition as a source of phosphorus to Minnesota watersheds. This discussion builds upon the analysis conducted in 2003 and is based on a review of the available literature, consideration of monitoring data and other available support data, and includes the results of phosphorus-loading computations for each of Minnesota’s ten major watershed basins.

Detailed Assessment of Phosphorus Sources to Minnesota Watersheds (2004)

In 2003, concerns about the phosphorus content of automatic dishwashing detergents prompted the passage of legislation requiring a comprehensive study of all of the sources and amounts of phosphorus entering publicly-owned treatment works and, ultimately, Minnesota surface waters. The assessment, funded by the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources and conducted for the MPCA by a consulting firm, is the first scientific study of just how much phosphorus enters Minnesota's lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams, and where it comes from in each of the state's 10 major watersheds.

Findings. The study found that statewide, automatic dishwashing detergents contribute about three percent of the total phosphorus load to state waters. Under normal water flow conditions, roughly two-thirds of the total load comes from nonpoint sources: runoff from cropland and pasture supplying most of the load, with lesser amounts coming from streambank erosion, urban runoff and atmospheric deposition. Approximately 31 percent of the phosphorus load comes from point sources such as wastewater treatment facilities and industrial treatment facilities.

Legislative Report: Detailed Assessment of Phosphorus Sources to Minnesota Watersheds

 

Last modified on February 05, 2013 16:16
back to top