Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program - Nutrients and HABs Research
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The December 1-2, 2021 BOSC review is focused on the SSWR Nutrients and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Topic, one of the three inter-related topics in the SSWR research portfolio. The Nutrients and HABs Topic consists of three Research Areas (RA): RA4 – Assessment and Management of HABs; RA5 – Science to Support Nutrient-Related Water Quality Goals; and RA6 – Nutrient Reduction Strategies and Assessment. The purpose of this review is to receive the Subcommittee’s feedback on the charge questions below.
Q.1: Nutrient pollution is the most widespread water quality problem facing the United States, with far-ranging consequences for environmental condition, economic prosperity, and human health and well-being. Current SSWR in Research Area 5 focuses on nutrient-related impacts in watersheds and waterbodies to support determining protective endpoints for aquatic life in different water body types. What suggestion(s)/ recommendation(s) does the Subcommittee have on ORD’s implementation of this research area and on (a) any new or emerging sensitive aquatic life endpoints, and (b) methods, sensors, and/or nutrient indicators for assessing aquatic life endpoints, particularly under changing climate conditions?
Q.2: While EPA, states, and tribes have made great efforts toward reducing nutrient pollution nationwide, it is still a challenge to identify best practices for implementing interventions and tracking their effectiveness to meet nutrient reduction goals in a comprehensive manner. To address this issue, SSWR Research Area 6 focuses on 1) applying tools, technologies, and best practices for nutrient management, 2) monitoring and tracking the effectiveness of nutrient reduction strategies, and 3) working closely with stakeholders to apply management practices and monitoring within their nutrient reduction programs. What suggestion(s)/ recommendation(s) does the Subcommittee have on ORD’s implementation of this research area, particularly related to evaluating the effectiveness of nonpoint source nutrient reductions at local to large regional scales?
Q.3: Harmful algal blooms are complex ecological processes that are affected by a variety of factors, including nutrient availability, water temperature, weather patterns, solar irradiation, limnology, and competing microorganisms. Much is still unknown regarding the human and environmental health effects of toxins produced during blooms. What suggestion(s)/ recommendation(s) does the Subcommittee have on ORD’s implementation of the HABs portfolios, particularly in a) determining the toxicity of HABs, and b) developing the capacity to forecast HAB events to prevent or mitigate exposure?