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Nutrients in Streams and Rivers in the Lower Tennessee River Basin

QUANTIFYING NUTRIENT OUTPUTS

Estimates of annual flow-weighted mean concentrations and stream yields of nutrients provide information on nutrient outputs from streams and rivers. Estimates of annual flow-weighted mean concentrations (computed by dividing the annual nutrient load by the annual total stream discharge) are useful for evaluating average water-quality conditions at a site and for making comparisons with other streams and rivers in the Nation. Estimates of stream yields (computed by dividing the annual nutrient load by the basin area) are useful for comparing nutrient transport among basins with different areas.

Photo showing algal blooms
Excessive amounts of nutrients can stimulate algal blooms which can impair the suitability of water for municipal supplies, recreation, fishing, and wildlife.

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USGS Water Resources of Tennessee

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
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Last modified: Wednesday, January 09 2013, 07:34:41 PM
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