Nutrient loading from anthropogenic sources has implications for the health and functioning of aquatic species and ecosystems. Using a nutrient loading model (NLM), this study estimated that a large amount of nutrient loading in 21 Nova Scotia bays was derived from atmospheric deposition, followed by fertilizer use and discharges from seafood processing and finfish aquaculture. Loading rates were generally related to the footprint of human activities in surrounding watersheds. The NLM can be easily updated and applied to other watersheds to compare nutrient loading rates across similar systems.
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