The Phosphorus Problem

Wastewater phosphorus inflows to receiving waters must be reduced to check accelerating cultural eutrophication. To prevent biological nuisances, total phosphorus should not exceed 100 µg/l P at any point within the flowing stream, nor should 50 µg/l be exceeded where waters enter a lake, reservoir, or other standing water body. Those waters now containing less phosphorus should not be degraded. Adequate phosphorus controls must now be directed toward treatment of nutrient point sources and to wastewater diversion around the lake or dilution within the lake, where feasible. Once nutrients are combined within the ecosystem of the receiving waters, their removal is tedious and expensive. Results of harvesting an aquatic crop, dredging, or other means to remove nutrients after they have reached receiving waters must be compared to inflowing nutrient quantities to evaluate accomplishments.