Tag: Nutrient runoff

The InVEST Nutrient Delivery Ratio (NDR) model is a powerful tool used to map the sources of nutrient pollution and track their transport through a river basin. This metric helps environmental planners understand and quantify the impact of land use and other factors on water quality by simulating the long-term, steady-state flow of nutrients.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nutrient pollution is one of the most widespread and costly environmental problems facing the United States today. This issue, driven by the presence of excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, can have devastating consequences for ecosystems and human health alike. While nutrients are vital for life, their overabundance unbalances natural cycles, leading to a cascade of negative effects.