In what forms is nitrogen transported with surface runoff water?

Nitrogen can be transported in surface runoff water in two primary forms: particulate and dissolved. Particulate nitrogen typically comes from organic materials, such as decaying plant matter, or from soil particles that have organic or inorganic nitrogen compounds attached to them. When it rains or when there's significant surface water movement, these particles can be washed away and enter water bodies, contributing to nitrogen levels in those ecosystems.

Dissolved nitrogen, on the other hand, may exist as various forms, including nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+), which can be readily absorbed by aquatic plants and algae. These dissolved forms can come from fertilizers, animal waste, or other sources that can dissolve in water when it rains.

Both forms of nitrogen contribute to nutrient loading in water bodies, which can lead to issues like eutrophication, where excessive nutrients promote algal blooms, depleting oxygen in water and harming aquatic life. The understanding that nitrogen is transported as both particulate and dissolved enables effective nutrient management strategies aimed at minimizing water quality impacts.