NUTRIENTS

The main nutrients that pollute the River Murray are phosphorus and nitrogen. They influence how fast noxious algal blooms and unwanted organisms grow in the water. The river is naturally rich in nutrients, but nutrient laden run-off and reduced flows of the river have created a pollution problem. Sources of nitrogen and phosphorus include pesticides, dairy farm and pasture run-off, winery wastes, fertilisers, wastewater from homes and houseboats along the river (for example the water from the shower and sink, which goes straight into the Murray River), and sewage.

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