Nitrogen from animal waste can be stored in bodies of water as
ammonia (NH3) or nitrate (NO3-) ions. These forms of nitrogen can enter bodies of water through runoff from agricultural fields or other areas where animal waste is present. Once in the water, bacteria convert ammonia to nitrite (NO2-) and then to nitrate through a process called nitrification. Nitrate is the most stable form of nitrogen in water and can accumulate in bodies of water over time.
Excessive nitrate in water bodies can lead to water pollution and cause problems such as eutrophication. Eutrophication occurs when there is an excessive amount of nutrients, including nitrogen, in the water, leading to the overgrowth of algae and other aquatic plants. These excessive plant growths can deplete oxygen levels in the water, resulting in the death of fish and other aquatic organisms.
To mitigate the impact of nitrogen from animal waste on water bodies, various management practices can be implemented. These include proper storage and treatment of animal waste, buffer zones between agricultural fields and water bodies to capture runoff, and the use of cover crops or other vegetation to absorb excess nitrogen. Furthermore, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and managing animal waste in an environmentally-friendly manner can help reduce nitrogen pollution in bodies of water.