Environmental science 3

Environmental pollution is one of the major concerns in the contemporary world due to the resulting degradation of the surroundings. Similarly, pollution causes have a negative impact on both living organisms and non-living objects (Binzer et al., 2016). Pollutants should thus be studied to identify their sources, results and potential mitigation strategies that can be undertaken to eliminate or reduce the harmful effects. This paper describes eutrophication as a pollutant with various significant impacts on the environment while focusing on the possible mitigation measures.

Eutrophication is one of the most critical issues in open water ecosystems like lakes, rivers, swamps, and reservoir among others. The condition is characterized by the accumulation of algae and dense due to the enrichment of nitrogen and phosphorous that is necessary for photosynthesis. Eutrophication hence contributes to the formation of extensive systems of floating plants like water hyacinths, algal bloom, and Nile cabbage among others. The sources of the nutrients include fertilizers, sewage, and animal wastes that are washed into the water bodies through surface run offs and irrigation (Binzer et al., 2016). The sediments that fill the lake over the time may also lead to natural eutrophication as the water body gets old. However human activities are responsible for eutrophication to a significant extent. The causes of eutrophication are both from non-point and point sources. Non-point sources include run-offs from floods and irrigation from fields.

On the other hand, direct sewage and industrial wastes that are discharged into the water bodies are examples of point sources.

Some of the negative effects of eutrophication include degradation of the quality of water as well as limiting the access to safe drinking water. The quality of water is lowered due to the dense growth of toxic algal bloom (Casey et al., 2014). The algal bloom and the accumulation of photosynthetic bacteria can also lead to blockage of water pipes further limiting the access of water to homes. The explosive accumulation of water plants threatens life in the aquatic system due to the reduction in the levels of dissolved oxygen (Binzer et al., 2016). The low levels of dissolved oxygen can hence lead to the suffocation of the plant and animal species living in water such as fish. Other impacts of eutrophication include endangering fishing and water recreational activities while the toxins can poison humans due to the decomposition of organic compounds.
The steps taken to mitigate the harms of eutrophication include reducing pollution, compositing, use of ultrasonic radiation destroy the algal bloom and enactment of relevant legislation. Compositing is encouraged to allow the utilization of organic materials in the form of compost manure to replace the chemical fertilizers that are primary sources of nitrates and phosphates. Reduction of pollution also allows for the elimination of the nitrate and phosphate sources from being discharged into the water bodies (Casey et al., 2014). As a new technology ultrasonic radiation works by causing cavitations that leads to the production of free radicals that destroys the algae cells. However, research is underway to determine the uniqueness of the process in controlling eutrophication. According to EPA policies and regulations as well as laws are formulated to ensure zero-tolerance to a non-point solution for enhancing the quality of water and standards. The practices for managing eutrophication entail cooperation between the policymakers and the government. Examples of the most effective practices for managing the eutrophication include controlling the anthropogenic influences leading to eutrophication such as flood irrigation and runoff.
References
Binzer, A., Guill, C., Rall, B. C., & Brose, U. (2016). Interactive effects of warming, eutrophication and size structure: impacts on biodiversity and food‐web structure. Global change biology, 22(1), 220-227.Casey, M. M., Dietl, G. P., Post, D. M., & Briggs, D. E. (2014). The impact of eutrophication and commercial fishing on molluscan communities in Long Island Sound, USA. Biological conservation, 170, 137-144.