The nutrients most often linked to winter pollution are nitrogen and phosphorus, which are key ingredients in fertilizers and manure. In winter, these nutrients tend to sit on the surface of frozen or compacted ground instead of being absorbed into the soil. When a thaw or rain event occurs, water flowing across the surface easily picks them up and carries them into nearby streams or ponds.
Nitrogen usually moves in dissolved form, while phosphorus binds to soil particles that are swept away during runoff. Both nutrients can fuel algae growth once they reach waterways, which can harm fish, reduce water clarity, and disrupt the natural balance of aquatic systems.
