Nitrate is a nutrient that promotes plant growth. It can come from a variety of sources, including fertilizers and septic systems. The Sturgeon City students collected and analyzed six samples for nitrate. Phosphate is another plant nutrient. It was banned from use in many types of soaps.
Ammonia can be toxic to fish, even at relatively low concentrations.
It is also released during the decomposition of organic materials. Such materials are readily available in the sediments of Wilson Bay. Sturgeon City Fellows Pamela Wooding, White Oak High School science teacher Tanya Barrett, White Oak High School science teacher Mike Frinsko , Aquaculture Area Spec.