Determining Causes and Effects- Revision 1

Determining Causes and Effects- Revision 1

Week 7 Assignment 3.2 Revise

Tina-Ann Bosler

English 115

12/07/2012

Professor Jeanette Trammell

Lake Huron is one of the second largest of the Great Lakes, and is one of the world’s largest freshwater islands. It is home to several different species of wildlife and 2.5 million people. What was once a beautiful habitat has now become a hazardous waste land. Water pollution is the major cause of this devastation. Elevated levels of the E-Coli bacteria have been found in Huron for many years, and signs prohibiting swimming now align the shores. A frequent outbreak of E botulism bacterium has killed thousands of fish and other waterfowl. According to the Environmental Protection Agency “E. coli is found in animal feces and makes its way into our lakes and ponds through rainwater runoff. People who ingest E. coli or related bacteria by swallowing water can experience stomach cramps and diarrhea” (U.S Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2005).

Water pollution is caused by runoffs also known as nonpoint source pollution. When it rains, snows or dust pollutes the water; it then collects in streams, lakes and other areas where water is stored. “The runoff contaminates build up from soils and farm chemicals from agricultural lands, waste from cities, and discharges from industrial areas from disposal sites known as point source pollution” (Lake Huron Centre for Conservation, 2012).Factories dump pollutants into the air and water. Man made pollutants are the leading cause of water pollution.

Runoff contaminants contain pathogens, which aredisease-carrying microorganisms, mostly caused by animal feces and malfunctioning septic systems and travel trailer and boat waste disposals (The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, 2012). Nutrients are also found in the water at Lake Huron, but not the good kind, these nutrients contain chemicals from fertilizers, lawn care products and animal waste. Everyday toxic contaminates such as the chemicals that are produced and used by man, like oil, grease, gasoline and pesticides are entering the lake and the homes of the inhabitants through the city’s drinking water. Reports from the Environmental Protection Agency find that the “pollutants that enter the lakes are retained in the system and become more concentrated over time” (EPA, 2012). Therefore, causing sickness and death to those that live near and in these polluted waters. Water is one of the most important resources on the planet and affects nearly every aspect of life. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sets a guideline for an allowable amount of contaminates in the public’s drinking water to five percent (EPA, 2012). Lake Huron’s contaminate percentage is well above that, and although it is not used for drinking it is still being consumed by swimming and the animals that live in and around the water.

Many pollutants have negative effects on the inhabitants. Ingestion of contaminated water may lead to stomach, or digestive problems. Heavy metals found in the lake can lead to serious health problems including certain cancers and mental dysfunctions in children, as well as tumor’s in fish. Pollutants also disturb the ecological system, causing a rise in algae growth. Fish and animals that consume contaminated water or the foliage may become sick, physically deformed or die, and the natural balance is disturbed.

Water pollution will never be completely eliminated, the earth and its inhabitants can however be kept safe from high levels of these types of dangerous contaminates. There are several ways to help lower the toxins endangering the earth’s beautiful lakes and threatening the planet’s water supply. Properly disposing waste in the appropriate destinations prevents e-coil from leaking into the runoffs. Also by keeping household septic systems up to code and scheduling routine maintenance so that they are, running properly can eliminate sewer leakage into the local water supply. Recycling as much as possible also helps eliminate trash buildup, and keeps it out of the dumps that cause toxic gases that contribute to air pollution, and overtime water pollution. Most importantly do not liter; keeping the earth’s hard surfaces clean will help keep the water free of trash and waste. Lowering the pollution rate will keep the lakes and rivers a safe and healthy environment for all species that depend on the earth’s natural resources.

References

The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation. (2012). Water Quality. Retrieved November 23, 2012 from

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2005). State of Great Lakes. Retrieved November 24, 2012 from

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). Basic Information. Retrieved November 25, 2012 from