Environment: Rising nitrate levels reported in the Yellow Sea

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Researchers have documented increased concentrations of nitrates in the Yellow Sea.

Increased concentrations of pollution could influence marine ecology of the region

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — For the first time, researchers have documented increased concentrations of nitrates — mainly from atmospheric pollution — in open ocean waters off the coast of Korea and Japan.

The observed changes in the ratio of nitrate to phosphorus may influence the makeup of marine plants and influence marine ecology, according to researchers from Korea and the U. S.

“Normally in a marine environment nitrate is the limiting factor, but increased nitrate in the ocean can spur growth and create a situation where phosphorus becomes the nutrient in short supply,” said Raymond G. Najjar, professor of oceanography, Penn State. “This change in nutrients could favor organisms that are better suited for high nitrate and low phosphorus.” (more…)

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