Research finds NJ numerical nutrient criterion used to protect streams is too high

(Drexel University) Using a standard they created for measuring potentially damaging nutrient levels in freshwater streams by measuring the prevalence of single-celled algae, called diatoms, researchers from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University analyzed environmental data from 95 river and stream sites in six ecological regions of New Jersey. The team's findings revealed that New Jersey's current allowable threshold for dissolved nutrients in its streams is likely too high.