How Does the Chemical Reaction between Nitrogen and Phosphorus Affect the Amount of Dissolved Oxygen in Water?

Abstract

Recently, pollutants have been introduced to ponds, streams, and other natural sources of water. The polluted water has a lower amount of dissolved oxygen, and we would like to know why the polluted water has a lower amount of dissolved oxygen (French, 2014). We are specifically interested in whether or not chemical reactions involving Nitrogen and Phosphorus affect the dissolved oxygen level in water. These are common components in fertilizer pollution (Petrisor, 2009). We designed a series of experiments with deionized water and sources of nitrogen and phosphorus. This way, we can see if, when no other contaminants are present, theses chemical reactions result in a lower dissolved oxygen level in the water.