Word of the Week - Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a critical element for life, but in the wrong places and amounts, it can wreak havoc on ecosystems. In the Great South Bay, nitrogen pollution primarily comes from outdated septic systems, fertilizers, and stormwater runoff. This excess nitrogen enters our waters and fuels harmful algal blooms, which cloud the bay, block sunlight, and deplete oxygen levels—creating "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive.

The impact is far-reaching. Nitrogen overload disrupts the balance of the bay, harming seagrass beds that are vital habitats for fish and shellfish. It also contributes to declining populations of clams, bay scallops and other species critical to our local economy and culture

But there’s hope. Reducing nitrogen pollution is key to restoring the health of the bay. Projects like sewer infrastructure upgrades, native plantings to filter runoff, and sustainable practices by homeowners are all part of the solution

By addressing nitrogen pollution, we’re not just protecting the bay; we’re ensuring clean water, resilient ecosystems, and a vibrant future for the communities that depend on it.

Save The Great South Bay is a local environmental non-profit whose mission is to restore water quality in the Great South Bay for future generations to enjoy. Our Word of the Week initiative aims to make the scientific vocabulary of environmentalism accessible to everyone. View past Words of the Week at www.savethegreatsouthbay.org under News & Events in the Photo Gallery.