How Do Oysters Remove Nitrogen?

Heather Donnelly, Ashley Smyth , Shirley Baker, Laura Reynolds, andAngela Collins

Release Date: 7/26/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-ss711-2023

Water Resources

Abstract

Nitrogen is natural and necessary, yet nitrogen levels above natural levels can cause algal blooms and eutrophication of coastal systems. The purpose of this document is to describe how oysters and oyster reefs remove nitrogen. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is intended for policymakers, environmental organizations, and coastal residents who want to know about oysters' role in improving water quality through nitrogen removal. Written by Heather Donnelly, Ashley Smyth, Shirley Baker, Laura Reynolds, and Angela Collins.

About this Publication

This document is SL498, one of a series of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences. Original publication date January 2023. Revised June 2026. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Donnelly, H., Smyth, A., Baker, S., Reynolds, L., & Collins, A. (2023). How Do Oysters Remove Nitrogen? EDIS, 2023(1). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ss711-2023

Authors

Heather Donnelly

external

University of Florida

graduate research assistant, Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead, FL

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Ashley Smyth

Contact

Specialist

University of Florida

associate professor, biogeochemistry, Ph.D., Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center

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Shirley Baker

Specialist

University of Florida

professor, molluscan biology & aquaculture, Ph.D., UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

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Laura Reynolds

Specialist

University of Florida

associate professor, coastal ecology, Ph.D., UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences

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Angela Collins

Specialist

University of Florida

Extension assistant scientist, Ph.D., Florida Sea Grant and School of Forests, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Lab, Ruskin, FL

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Publication #SL498