Pets, Lawn Fertilizer Pose Big Threats to Mississippi R. in Twin Cities

"A new study from the University of Minnesota suggests that household fertilizer and pet waste are the major sources of nutrients polluting Twin Cities lakes, streams and rivers.

The study was the first comprehensive look at the sources of nitrogen and phosphorus in the Twin Cities watershed and how quickly the nutrients move across the land, ending up in the Mississippi River.

Excessive nutrients can cause water quality problems, including toxic algae blooms, said Sarah Hobbie, the lead researcher on the study and a professor in the university's Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior."

Kirsti Marohn reports for Minnesota Public Radio April 3, 2017.