Nitrogen pollution is widespread in the ecosystems of the Northeastern United States and current policies will do little to change the situation, finds a new two year study coordinated by the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation. Excess nitrogen in the environment degrades air quality, disrupts forest growth, acidifies lakes and streams and starves coastal waters of oxygen. The study "Nitrogen Pollution in the Northeastern United States: Sources, Effects and Management Options," published in the April issue of the journal "Bioscience," pulls together a range of data on the effects of nitrogen pollution on forests and watersheds in the Northeast.