1.1 Introduction Excessive levels of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in natural water systems have been shown to cause high levels of algae production. The Tampa Bay Estuary has four major river basins that flow into it carrying TN and TP from land-based wastewater treatment plant discharges and agricultural runoff. The growth process of phytoplankton consuming excess TN and TP in natural systems can also be related to changing water quality levels such as dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, available nutrient concentration, pH, water temperature water and turbidity. For example, this lack of DO in water reduces the longevity of wildlife found in saline environments. This impact produces changes in the ecosystem. It is critical that TP and TN levels are monitored and managed due to their impact on natural water bodies. The Tampa Bay Estuary has been a receiving body for wastewater effluent for a long period of time (Janicki et al., 2001). Tampa Bay receives wastewater effluent from four watersheds; Hillsborough Bay, Old Tampa Bay, Middle Tampa Bay and Lower Tampa Bay. The effects of discharging effluent into the water body can have adverse effects on the natural ecosystem. More specifically, dissolved oxygen levels and reduced light availability in the bay decrease proportionally with increasing total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations (Bricker et al., 1999). The effects of TP and TN in an estuarine system can be seen in Figure 1. This eutrophication is of great importance due to its implications on the water system. These effects are the direct result of human interaction with the natural water system. Thus... middle of paper... wastewater disposal from treatment plants will increase, as will the need for nutrient control programs to ensure that natural water bodies are protected from degeneration. Treatment processes that have gained popularity in recent years, such as wetland application, mechanical or chemical treatment, are becoming more acceptable as the public is becoming more aware of the effects of eutrophication. The use of purified water is also alleviating the burden on receiving water bodies. As more and more water is depleted from aquifers, the need will shift towards treating surface water for drinking water, so if the right measures are taken now, future treatment costs will decrease significantly. Furthermore, the natural system will be able to sustain its self for a longer period of time. Works Cited The Effects of Nutrients: A Study of the Tampa Bay Estuary