Atmospheric nitrogen deposition and the Chesapeake Bay Estuary

Our base case estimate indicates that approximately 25% of the anthropogenic nitrogen loading to the Bay originates as atmospheric nitrate deposition, which arises almost entirely from anthropogenic emissions of nitrogen oxides. A sensitivity analysis was also performed indicating a range of 20% to 30% for the contribution of atmospheric nitrate. Atmospheric ammonium deposition contributes another 14% of the total. We conclude that atmospheric sources of nitrogen, particularly nitrogen oxides emissions, should be considered in management strategies aimed at reducing nitrogen loading of coastal waters. -from Authors