Table of Contents
What is the problem with lakes?
The biodiversity of lake and pond ecosystems is currently threatened by a number of human disturbances, of which the most important include increased nutrient load, contamination, acid rain and invasion of exotic species.
How are lakes threatened?
Aside from the natural aging process, major threats to the longevity of lake fertility include pollution (including acid rain), eutrophication, and shoreline overdevelopment. Acid rain is formed by sulfates and nitrates emitted from coal-burning industries and automobile exhaust pipes.
Do lakes clean themselves?
Scientists say they have evidence that the world’s biggest freshwater lake system is cleaning itself of pollutants. North America’s Great Lakes hold about twenty percent of the world’s fresh surface water. Pollution has been a problem there for years.
Why are lakes dirty?
Many freshwater lakes, streams, and ponds are polluted. When it rains, the extra fertilizers and pesticides flow into streams. The pollutants can cause algae to grow quickly. These ‘blooms’ of algae may produce toxins that harm other life in the river.
Which effect of pollution is most likely to damage a pond?
Pollution constrains the range of plant and animal species that can use a pond, and is the source of many of the most intractable pond management problems, including poor water clarity, algal blooms, duckweed cover and lack of submerged plants.
How do people affect lakes and ponds?
Humans can have a major impact on freshwater systems through water overuse. Reducing the amount of water in lakes and other reservoirs puts pressure on aquatic populations, reducing the amount of living space available, and in some cases, it dries up streams and ponds entirely.
What happens if you poop in a lake?
Water from heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with (for example, poop from where animals live) and can drain into swim areas. These germs can also come from humans or animals pooping in or near the water. Water contaminated with these germs can make you sick if you swallow it.