Nutrient Loads and Ecological Alternations

The highest accumulation rates are noted in areas closer to the source of nutrient inputs, and 

To reduce phosphorus loads to the EPA, approximately 16,000 ha of the treatment areas, referred to as STAs, are built at strategic locations to intercept the flow of nutrients before discharge into the EPA. Since 1994, these STAs have removed approximately 800 mt of phosphorus from the agricultural drainage waters (Pietro et al, 2007) (Table 17.3). 

FIGURE 17.7 Cumulative phosphorus loads with and without BMPs and STAs. (From South Florida Water Management District (2007).) 

Total Phosphorus Load, and Total Phosphorus Concentration Comparisons of the Baseline Period (1980-1988) and the Most Recent Five-Year Period (2002-2006) in the EPA 

Hydrologic Unit Parameter Units 1980-1988 2002-2006 Percent Change 

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