Natural and anthropogenic processes within the Chenango and Upper Susquehanna watersheds in New York contribute nutrients to the Chesapeake Bay. Samples were collected and analyzed on a monthly basis at two sampling sites on the Chenango River and three sampling sites along the Susquehanna River near Binghamton, New York, to identify the sources and flux of nutrients to these riverine ecosystems.

Ammonia, K and Rb levels were nominal at all sampling sites upstream of the sampling location on the Susquehanna River in Vestal, NY. The higher concentrations of these analytes at the Vestal site reflect impacts from the regional waste water treatment plant. Nitrate exhibits different behavior than ammonia, and concentrations correlate with land use within the watershed. Higher nitrate concentrations in the Chenango River than in the Susquehanna reflect larger agricultural impacts. Below the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers, the slight increase in nitrate levels in part results from urban land uses involving residential lawn care practices.