Determining Causes and Effects- Revision
Week 7 Assignment 3.2 Revise
Tina-Ann Bosler
English 115
12/07/2012
Professor Jeanette Trammell
Determining Causes and Effects- Revision
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. This was once a beautiful habitat has now become a hazardous waste land. Water
pollution is the major cause of this devastation. They have Elevated levels of E-Coli bacteria
that 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 are disease-carrying microorganisms,
mostly caused by animal feces and malfunctioning septic systems and travel trailer and boat
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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
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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.
Determining Causes and Effects- Revision
References
The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation. (2012). Water Quality. Retrieved November
23, 2012 from http://lakehuron.ca/index.php?page=nonpoint-source-pollution
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2005). State of Great Lakes. Retrieved November 24,
2012 from http://www.epa.gov/solec/indicator_sheets/huron.pdf
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). Basic Information. Retrieved November 25,
2012 from http://epa.gov/greatlakes/basicinfo.html
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