Cafe Scientifique: Role of Wetlands & Oyster Restoration in Enhancing Nitrogen Removal from Chesapeake Bay

Speaker:Dr. Jeffrey Cornwell, Research Professor at the Horn Point Laboratory.

Decreasing the nitrogen and phosphorus inputs to the Chesapeake Bay is a key part of improving water quality, with excess inputs leading to baywide eutrophication issues include mid-bay anoxia, harmful algal blooms, and loss of submerged aquatic vegetation. For nitrogen, the implementation of advanced wastewater treatment, decreased atmospheric loading and a variety of farming best management practices are key parts of the management “tool kit.” While the interception of nitrogen (and phosphorus) prior to inputs to the bay has been effective, achieving goals can be elusive. After nitrogen input to tidal waters, there have been relatively few means to remove nitrogen from the active cycle. The presentation, will include discussion of the potential role of oyster and wetland restoration in removing nitrogen and phosphorus from the upper Chesapeake Bay. The Poplar Island wetland development and from Harris Creek oyster restoration will be used as examples.

Zoom login: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88972124238?

Contact Tracy Gill for the meeting password