This article was written a while ago but it is a problem that is growing in our Great Lakes; especially lake Erie because it is so shallow and the algae stops the light from penetrating to the bottom of the lake. 1) Why is this a world issue? Why should we be worried?
2) What can be done about this issue?
3) How does this affect you?
4) What can you do to help this issue?
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/algae-blooms-on-lake-erie-getting-difficult-to-control-1.2054761
This is my weekly post:
ReplyDeleteThe issue presented in the article above is the rising amounts of algae in Lake Erie. The specific type of algae that is being formed in the water here is called blue-green algae. Blue- Green algae grows rapidly in warm, shallow water. There can be toxic effects to humans and animals if skin comes in contact with it, if it is swallowed, or if you breathe the toxins in when in the water. If you drink water with the green-blue algae toxins in it, it can lead to negative effects on the liver, and nervous system. People who do not have access to public water filtration services cannot drink the water because even boiling the water or disinfecting it with chlorine or UVs do not kill the toxins.
So, that to me is what is presenting the biggest issue. Yes, the algae smells bad and looks gross, but it is worse when you think of the impacts it can have on people’s access to drinking water. Lake Erie’s water provides drinking water for over 11 million people, many of whom are not on the city systems. The water also goes as far as Ohio to be filtered.
This is not only a Canadian issue on drinking water, but it also can be seen as a world issue in the way that it is formed, through the use of manure, and pesticides. When farmers or residents use pesticides or manure, a run-off is produced with rain that runs into the lake, and causes the algae to grow. We know how harmful pesticides are, but I was surprised to learn that manure is also a cause. Right now there are several grants for farmers to profit from to encourage the reduction of manure and pesticides. So, as citizens the best thing for us to do right now is reduce our own use of pesticides, and support the government and other agencies in their initiatives to encourage the reduction of Algae bacteria.
http://www.sdhu.com/content/search/doc.asp?doc=1805&q=blue+green+algae&lang=0
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/02/27/toxic_algae_is_likely_to_get_worse_in_lake_erie_heres_how_to_fix_it.html
Good post Ruth. As much as I want the government to encourage to reduce phosphorus levels, I think it is also the responsibility of us as consumers and people to be informed about the issue and demand that our farmers do not use these products. Once they feel the pressure from the consumers, they will be more enticed to make a change.
DeleteThis is my weekly post:
ReplyDeleteThe issue described in this article is the increased amount of blue-green algae in the great lakes. The article focuses on lake Erie because this type of algae grows in warm shallow waters. Climate changes, as well as lake Erie’s shallow waters make it very easy for these algae to grow. Although some might say that this is only an issue involving Canadians, it can be seen that the increased amount of algae in the lakes also affects the rest of the world. If the Lakes have too much algae, that water becomes too toxic for humans to drink. Since the great Lakes contains around 20% of the world’s fresh water (supplying 30 million people with fresh water), the increased amount of algae is of great concern because this fresh water could be lost by becoming too toxic to drink. Also, these algae negatively impacted the tourism and charter boats. It can be seen that the issue not only affects the people and the environment, but also the Canadian economy.
The algae is blooming in these lakes because of the large amount of phosphorus in the water. Phosphorus is found in different types of fertilizers, shampoos and toothpaste. It can be then pushed into the lakes in the wind, washed in the lakes with the rainwater or it soaks through the soil. The best way to get rid of this issue is to reduce the amount of phosphorus we use. This could mean reducing the amount of phosphorus-based products we use or just stop using pesticides all together. We also need to demand that our government puts incentives into place to reduce the amounts of pesticides as well.
The main issue is simple. As Mr. Lahaie has said over a dozen times in class, the next world war will probably be over fresh water. Every human needs water to survive and if we continue to pollute these water sources, we are at risk of loosing a large amount of fresh water that the world really needs. We need to change our habits before the amount of algae in the water gets to hard to control.
Here is just a bit of information on the dangers of phosphorus in water:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/nonpoint/phosphorus/PhosphorusBan.html
This is my post for the week.
ReplyDeleteThis article is about the issue regarding the algae blooms in the great lakes, specifically Lake Erie. These blooms are causing a lot of stress on the surrounding ecosystems, as well as the economics based in Lake Erie. Some of the major environmental concerns are that having this large amount of algae on the surface prevents both plant and animal life below, due to a lack of sunlight. If this continues it could become a dead lake, which is toxic and there for not safe to use. The economic concern is around the fishing industry, they are seeing decrease in profits due to a lack of fish supply.
Some things we as ordinary citizens can is is look for products with low phosphorus levels, grow your own organic food so you're less dependant on large farms, and reduce the eliminate the fertilizer used on your lawns and gardens.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/nonpoint/phosphorus/PhosphorusBan.html
Good post Michael. I agree we need to use less phosphoric based chemicals to help improve the health of our water systems. Algae makes it hard for fish eggs to be laid and survive so we need to lower algae growth to help improve fish populations
DeleteGood post. I think you're right in suggesting that we do what we can as consumers to try to reduce this problem. Its at least the first step to resolving the issue.
DeleteThis is my weekly post:
ReplyDeleteCanada is known for it's great lakes and fresh water. It has such a high amount (20%) of fresh and the people of Canada are destroying it. This article mostly talks about the effects of Lake Erie. Canada is not the only one ruining their fresh water. It is an issue world wide. If the human race destroys any type of body of water from the chemicals we use, it can change our whole ecosystem. If our climate changes some animals may adapt but many will be lost which will have a chained effect on the rest.
One of the main things that can help stop the destruction of water is making it aware to others. I believe that some of the biggest causes to world issues is ignorance. The more people that are aware of what is going on to the Great Lakes or to their own lakes more people will contribute into making a difference. Something that I could contribute to helping this issue is cutting less of the harsh chemical products I use.
Considering I live right by a lake and I do swim in the lake during the summer I would like to continue to do that. If the lake I live by becomes toxic I will not be able to swim in it. Also some of my drinking water comes from the lake. If the lake is full of toxins I will not be able to have fresh and use up the resources from other lakes lessening the amount of water that Canada has available.
Here is my source:
http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/critical-issues-marine-habitat-destruction/