Nitrogen Pollution - Threats to Tropical Coral Coasts from edX

Nitrogen pollution is a critically important global challenge. For tropical ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrasses (CRAS), this is a particularly pertinent issue, as they are amongst the most economically valuable and biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth, but are steadily declining in areal extent and health. Eutrophication (excessive nutrients causing water pollution) in these environments can not only interfere with the health and diversity of vegetation, fish and other aquatic organisms; inhibit recruitment of juvenile corals but is also thought to increase the susceptibility of corals to heat-induced bleaching events.

As urbanisation, coastal development and intensification of agricultural production in the South Asia region continues, monitoring coastal waters for nitrogen pollution is critical to understanding its potential impacts. Highlighting the human environmental impact on components of groundwater seepage, coastal runoff and atmospheric deposition is paramount to informing planning for catchment management and conservation measures.

This innovative course, regardless of your background, will teach core concepts about the value of tropical marine ecosystems; nitrogen in the marine environment; and drivers of nitrogen pollution. Using tropical coral reef and seagrass meadows as case study ecosystems, it will introduce the key concept and drivers of eutrophication and identify key anthropogenic nitrogen inputs into tropical CRAS settings. You will be provided with real-life, scenario-based examples of using the natural world as a living lab and an experimental platform to research and test key assumptions about impacts of nitrogen pollution on these ecosystems.

Finally, you will learn about some potential solutions to improve understanding of challenges associated with nitrogen pollution, and ways to minimize damage to ecosystem health. We will explore a suite of strategies from locally based community management to internationally informed policies on nitrogen,

The course will use the Maldives as a lens in which to look at these issues, yet the core principles are relevant to contexts across South Asia and beyond. The course will use a mix of short topical lectures by academics at the University of Edinburgh and members of a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), Maldives Resilient Reefs working on the issue directly in the Maldives. It will be highlighted through on-site videos of research being conducted in the field as part of the South Asian Nitrogen Hub.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Discover the value and importance of coral reefs and seagrasses
Learn what nitrogen is and its role in tropical marine ecosystems
Find out how nitrogen pollution threatens these ecosystems and what human activities contribute to this global challenge

Recognise the value of scientific experimental approaches to informing solutions
Identify practical solutions to mitigate the impacts of nitrogen pollution in the marine environment

Discover the value and importance of coral reefs and seagrasses
Learn what nitrogen is and its role in tropical marine ecosystems
Find out how nitrogen pollution threatens these ecosystems and what human activities contribute to this global challenge
Recognise the value of scientific experimental approaches to informing solutions
Identify practical solutions to mitigate the impacts of nitrogen pollution in the marine environment

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to nitrogen, coral reefs, and associated ecosystems

Introduction to tropical coastal ecosystems and their ecosystem services; the main threats facing them, and the role nitrogen pollution plays within this.

Week 2: Coral reefs

Basic introduction to coral reefs; their relationship to nitrogen; and a case study example demonstrating the impacts of excessive nitrogen pollution.

Week 3: Seagrass meadows

Basic introduction to seagrass meadows; their relationship to nitrogen; and a case study example demonstrating the impacts of excessive nitrogen pollution.

Week 4: Research to understand (Maldivian context)

Using real-world experiments from the Maldives, we explore ways in which humans can use the natural environment as a ‘living laboratory’ to better understand the impacts of excessive nitrogen on coral reefs and seagrasses.

Week 5: Solutions (Maldivian context)

Understand how monitoring is key to management success; examples of how local solutions as well as national and international policies can improve issues around nitrogen practices and awareness.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the impacts of nitrogen pollution and its impacts on tropical coastal ecosystems; highly relevant information for professionals and coastal resource managers

Emphasizes the urgency of understanding the impacts of nitrogen pollution, especially in South Asian ecosystems; key information for policymakers

Utilizes the Maldives as a case study; useful for grasping the local context and its importance in South Asia

Provides practical solutions and strategies to address nitrogen pollution, geared toward informed decision-making; valuable for policy implementation

Features real-world research and experiments, enriching the learning experience and providing insights into the field

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Nitrogen Pollution - Threats to Tropical Coral Coasts with these activities:

Review Nitrogen and Nitrogen Cycle

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Make sure you're familiar with the basics of nitrogen and its cycle before engaging with some of the more advanced topics in this course.

Browse courses on Nitrogen

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Review notes and materials from previous coursework on nitrogen and the nitrogen cycle
Complete practice questions on nitrogen and the nitrogen cycle

Data Analysis Workshop: Nitrogen Pollution Trends

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Participate in a workshop with peers to analyze real-world data on nitrogen pollution trends, developing insights and exploring patterns.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Review basic data analysis techniques
Access and explore nitrogen pollution data
Collaborate with peers to analyze data and draw conclusions

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Career center

Learners who complete Nitrogen Pollution - Threats to Tropical Coral Coasts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists apply scientific principles to protect the environment and human health. This course offers a comprehensive overview of nitrogen pollution, its sources, and its effects on tropical coral coasts. Learners will develop an understanding of the complex interactions between nitrogen and marine ecosystems, enabling them to assess environmental risks, design mitigation strategies, and promote sustainable practices. This knowledge is essential for Environmental Scientists working in coastal management, water quality protection, and environmental policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Marine Biologist

Marine Biologists study the biology, diversity, and physiology of marine organisms and habitats. This course provides a solid foundation in marine ecosystems, the role of nitrogen, and the threats posed by nitrogen pollution, all of which are crucial for understanding the challenges facing marine ecosystems and developing effective conservation strategies. By gaining insights into the impacts of nitrogen pollution on coral reefs and seagrass meadows, learners will be better equipped to contribute to research and conservation efforts aimed at preserving these vital ecosystems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marine Biologist

Conservation Biologist

Conservation Biologists work to protect and restore biodiversity. This course provides a valuable foundation in the biology and ecology of coral reefs and seagrass meadows, as well as the threats posed by nitrogen pollution. Learners will gain insights into the complex interactions between nitrogen and marine ecosystems, enabling them to develop and implement effective conservation strategies. By understanding the impacts of nitrogen pollution, Conservation Biologists can better protect these critical ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Biologist

Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. This course provides a solid foundation in marine ecology, the role of nitrogen, and the impacts of nitrogen pollution on coral reefs and seagrass meadows. Learners will develop an understanding of the complex relationships between nitrogen and marine ecosystems, enabling them to conduct research, assess environmental risks, and develop conservation strategies. This knowledge is essential for Ecologists working in coastal management, marine conservation, and environmental policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ecologist

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice and technical expertise on environmental issues. This course provides a comprehensive overview of nitrogen pollution, its sources, and its effects on tropical coral coasts. Learners will gain insights into the complex policy issues surrounding nitrogen management and develop skills in environmental impact assessment, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. This knowledge is essential for Environmental Consultants working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts develop and analyze environmental policies. This course provides a comprehensive overview of nitrogen pollution, its sources, and its effects on tropical coral coasts. Learners will gain insights into the complex policy issues surrounding nitrogen management and develop skills in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and environmental impact assessment. This knowledge is essential for Environmental Policy Analysts working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst

Water Quality Scientist

Water Quality Scientists monitor and assess water quality to protect human health and aquatic ecosystems. This course provides a solid foundation in nitrogen pollution, its sources, and its effects on tropical coral coasts. Learners will develop an understanding of the complex interactions between nitrogen and marine ecosystems, enabling them to conduct water quality monitoring, assess environmental risks, and develop mitigation strategies. This knowledge is essential for Water Quality Scientists working in government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and water utilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Quality Scientist

Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers plan and manage the use of natural resources to ensure their sustainability. This course provides a solid foundation in the biology and ecology of coral reefs and seagrass meadows, as well as the threats posed by nitrogen pollution. Learners will develop an understanding of the complex interactions between nitrogen and marine ecosystems, enabling them to develop and implement sustainable management strategies. This knowledge is essential for Natural Resource Managers working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms.

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Climate Change Scientist

Climate Change Scientists study the causes and effects of climate change. This course provides a solid foundation in the role of nitrogen in the marine environment and the impacts of nitrogen pollution on tropical coral coasts. Learners will develop an understanding of the complex interactions between nitrogen and climate change, enabling them to conduct research, assess environmental risks, and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies. This knowledge is essential for Climate Change Scientists working in government agencies, research institutions, and non-profit organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Scientist

Oceanographer

Oceanographers study the oceans, their physical and chemical properties, and their interactions with the atmosphere. This course provides a solid foundation in the role of nitrogen in the marine environment and the impacts of nitrogen pollution on tropical coral coasts. Learners will develop an understanding of the complex interactions between nitrogen and oceanographic processes, enabling them to conduct research, assess environmental risks, and develop mitigation strategies. This knowledge is essential for Oceanographers working in government agencies, research institutions, and non-profit organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Oceanographer

Marine Conservationist

Marine Conservationists work to protect and restore marine ecosystems. This course provides a solid foundation in the biology and ecology of coral reefs and seagrass meadows, as well as the threats posed by nitrogen pollution. Learners will develop an understanding of the complex interactions between nitrogen and marine ecosystems, enabling them to develop and implement effective conservation strategies. This knowledge is essential for Marine Conservationists working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marine Conservationist

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course provides a solid foundation in nitrogen pollution, its sources, and its effects on tropical coral coasts. Learners will develop an understanding of the complex interactions between nitrogen and marine ecosystems, enabling them to design and implement effective mitigation strategies. This knowledge is essential for Environmental Engineers working in government agencies, consulting firms, and industries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers plan and manage the use of water resources to ensure their sustainability. This course provides a solid foundation in nitrogen pollution, its sources, and its effects on tropical coral coasts. Learners will develop an understanding of the complex interactions between nitrogen and water resources, enabling them to develop and implement sustainable management strategies. This knowledge is essential for Water Resources Managers working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of nitrogen pollution, its sources, and its effects on tropical coral coasts. Learners will gain insights into the complex policy issues surrounding nitrogen management and develop skills in sustainability reporting, stakeholder engagement, and environmental impact assessment. This knowledge is essential for Sustainability Managers working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Aquaculturist

Aquaculturists cultivate aquatic organisms for food, recreation, or other purposes. This course provides a solid foundation in the role of nitrogen in the marine environment and the impacts of nitrogen pollution on tropical coral coasts. Learners will develop an understanding of the complex interactions between nitrogen and aquaculture practices, enabling them to develop and implement sustainable aquaculture systems. This knowledge is essential for Aquaculturists working in government agencies, research institutions, and commercial aquaculture operations.

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Nitrogen Pollution - Threats to Tropical Coral Coasts

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