Test results were lower on these dates. One possible interpretation is that nitrogen cycling occurs in this small tributary. Others have observed high nitrogen levels in another tributary upstream from this one, and we would like to investigate whether high nitrogen levels are typical of these tributaries. In general, however, nitrogen-nitrate levels suggest that the Crum is healthy, with mean levels well below 10 ppm. Phosphate Test Total phosphorus includes organic phosphorus and inorganic phosphate.
Organic phosphorus is a part of living plants and animals.
It is attached to particulate organic matter composed of once-living plants and animals. Inorganic phosphates comprise the ions bonded to soil particles and phosphates present in laundry detergents. This scarcity of phosphorus is attributed to its relationship with organic matter and soil particles. Because algae only require small amounts of phosphorus to live, excess phosphors causes extensive algal growth called algal blooms. Algal blooms color the water a pea-soup green and are a classic symptom of cultural eutrophication.