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In PEF this is Eutrophication, marine. It shares the same unit (kg N eq) as ReCiPe 2016; only the wording differs.

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Definition

Marine Eutrophication Potential (MEP) measures the enrichment of marine ecosystems with nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N), leading to excessive algae growth and subsequent ecosystem degradation. It is expressed in kilograms of nitrogen equivalent (kg N eq.) using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors.

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Environmental Mechanism

Marine eutrophication occurs when excessive nutrients, primarily nitrogen compounds, enter coastal and marine ecosystems, causing:
  • Algal blooms that can lead to oxygen-depleted “dead zones”
  • Disruption of marine food webs
  • Loss of biodiversity and habitat
  • Reduced commercial fishery yields
  • Harmful algal blooms that can produce toxins
  • Degradation of recreational and aesthetic value of coastal areas
In marine ecosystems, nitrogen is typically the limiting nutrient, meaning its addition most directly stimulates algal growth.

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Calculation in GREENZERO Journey

GREENZERO Journey calculates MEP by:
  1. Identifying emissions to water bodies and air throughout a product’s lifecycle
  2. Converting each emission to its nitrogen equivalent using characterization factors from ReCiPe 2016
  3. Summing all nitrogen equivalents to determine the total MEP
About ReCiPe 2016ReCiPe 2016 is a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method that provides characterization factors for converting inventory data into environmental impact indicators. It is not a methodology itself, but rather a comprehensive database of impact assessment factors developed by Dutch research institutes.The method provides characterization factors that translate emissions and resource use into standardized impact units (e.g., kg CO₂ eq. for climate change, kg SO₂ eq. for acidification). GREENZERO Journey follows ISO 14040/44 methodological standards while using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors for impact calculations.

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Environmental Cost Conversion

The MEP impact is converted to environmental cost using the CE Delft cost factor: CE Delft Cost Factor for MEP: €14.25 per kg N eq. This factor represents the societal cost of damage from marine eutrophication, including:
  • Ecosystem damage and biodiversity loss
  • Economic impacts on commercial fisheries
  • Reduced recreational value of coastal areas
  • Tourism revenue losses
  • Property value decreases in affected coastal areas
  • Health impacts from harmful algal blooms

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Example Calculation

For a product with an MEP of 0.05 kg N eq. per piece: 
Environmental Cost = MEP × CE Delft Factor
Environmental Cost = 0.05 kg N eq. × €14.25/kg N eq.
Environmental Cost = €0.71 per piece

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Interpretation

Marine eutrophication impacts can affect large areas of coastal waters and have significant economic consequences. Key contributors to MEP in product lifecycles typically include:
  • Agricultural activities (fertilizer runoff and livestock waste)
  • Wastewater discharge
  • Fossil fuel combustion (NOx emissions)
  • Aquaculture operations
  • Food processing waste
  • Detergent use

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Reduction Strategies

Common strategies to reduce MEP include:
  • Precision agriculture to minimize fertilizer use
  • Advanced wastewater treatment with nitrogen removal
  • Riparian buffer zones to filter agricultural runoff
  • Emission controls on combustion sources
  • Sustainable aquaculture practices
  • Watershed management approaches

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Data Quality Considerations

When interpreting MEP results, consider:
  • Coastal sensitivity and circulation patterns
  • Transport pathways from emission to coastal waters
  • Seasonal variations in impact
  • Background nutrient levels in affected areas
  • Retention time of nitrogen in watersheds
MEP often correlates with other impact categories, particularly:
  • Freshwater Eutrophication Potential
  • Acidification Potential
  • Water Use
  • Marine Ecotoxicity Potential
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