Increased flux of carbon and nutrients from human activities in river basins were linked to acidification and deepwater hypoxia in estuaries and coastal areas worldwide. Annual loads (1995–2011) of suspended particulate matter (SPM), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were assessed at the Lake Ontario inlet of the St. Lawrence River (SLR) and its estuarine outlet at Québec City. Internal loads from the Ottawa River, seventeen other tributaries, urban wastewaters, atmospheric deposition and erosion were also estimated.
Supplemental Information
The St. Lawrence Action Plan (SLAP) 2011 to 2026 (see https://www.planstlaurent.qc.ca/en/) is the latest Canada-Quebec Agreement on the St. Lawrence and builds on the four previous agreements implemented since 1988. The agreement aims to conserve and enhance the St. Lawrence. It is based on strong collaboration and the pooling of resources and expertise between the governments of Canada and Quebec. As part of their respective responsibilities for the management of the St. Lawrence basin, these two governments recognize the need for close cooperation to tackle the environmental challenges facing this important ecosystem. Other partners are also joining in this initiative, including local organizations, environmental groups, research centres, and universities.
Project information: https://www.planstlaurent.qc.ca/en/water-quality/improving-water-quality-2011-2016-projects/nonpoint-source-pollution-2011-2016/document-riverine-inputs-of-organic-carbon-and-nutrients-into-the-marine-estuary-in-relation-to-hypoxia-and-acidification#c829