Date of Graduation

Spring 5-23-2026

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Dr. Stephanie Siehr

Abstract

A harmful algal bloom in 2022 shattered the illusion that the highly enriched San Francisco Bay is resilient to eutrophication. This event provided justification for the San Francisco Water Board to issue restrictions on nitrogen in wastewater effluent, the largest source of nitrogen in San Francisco Bay. Recognizing San Francisco’s fragile status even with this recent regulation, this study analyzes other anthropogenic sources of nutrient pollution, and it examines nature-based solutions to drawdown nutrient loading. This research utilizes a nutrient budget review to account for nitrogen inputs, a relative source contribution to quantify sanitary sewer overflows, a geospatial analysis to examine how land use impacts nitrogen runoff, and a comparative case study of nature-based solutions to explore management options. Although over 60% of nitrogen loading comes from wastewater effluent, sanitary sewer overflows occasionally deposit significant amounts of nitrogen to this system. Anthropogenic land use also contributes nitrogen to streams and San Francisco Bay through stormwater runoff. Even as strict standards for wastewater effluent are essential, fewer overflows help to prevent eutrophication. Nature-based solutions and responsible management can buffer nitrogen loads when eutrophic hydrologic conditions align.

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