The link for this article is (here)
Picture:This is a picture of what is happening in the Midwest where there are numerous amounts of fertilizer runoff.
Summary:
In the Midwest, Agriculture is common. With the Agriculture Industry, the use of fertilizer is a must for a good crop. The downside to this is when it rains, the nutrient rich fertilizer over pollutes the closest bodies of water. One of the dire outcomes of nutrients pollution is the elevated level of nitrates found in the water at around 10ppm. In infants this causes illnesses and even death. In adults, problems with the thyroid can occur. It hurts those who live downstream even more because they rely on shallower wells.Efforts have been put in place but they are draining the wallets of the taxpayers. Some plants already remove the nitrates from the water but people are still at risk. Now, they are moving to install buffer zones for the fertilizer. Even though actions are being taken, this runoff still poses a threat to people living in the Mid-West.
Reflection: This problem happens in every agricultural area in the world. It is sickening that people are not aware of their actions. Fertilizer runoff can also cause Eutrophication (Algal Blooms). These blooms can remove the oxygen from the water and dispense toxins which can kill and asphyxiate marine life. These people need to be educated about pollution. Also, farms could put up berms to protect their investments in fertilizers. They may need the national government to step in.
Questions:
- How else could we reduce fertilizer pollution in rivers?
- Which methods would be the most effective for removing said pollution? Why?
- Is there anything the people can do?
- What are some other problems that could endanger these streams?
It is a natural occurrence and it is difficult to say what you can do to stop it. I don't think the government really has any money to waste on this, meanwhile we are trillions in debt. I think the only solution is to put of some type of barrier to try to keep the runoff out of streams, with a drain that leads somewhere else. Almost like a swimming pool. You can't expect someone who makes their living off of the crops they produce to just stop using fertilizer, their financial stability would be thrown out the window. Another problem that could endanger the streams would be fecal waste from the animals living on the farm land.
ReplyDeleteAs of now there seems to be nothing that can be done other than educating people about it to try to reduce the effect that humans have on this. Obviously, the agriculture industry also must be upheld to support the financial issues in Midwest America. Is it possible for less wasteful fertilizers to be produced? Because it seems to be that fertilizers have been the main source of this problem. It is possible the government may need to become involved because this could become an issue concerning an entire region of the US.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that this happens and the side-effects that it leaves behind. I think that it should try to be contained. For instance plant more trees and plants near streams that are near farms. This is almost similar to what the Jarred Nature Center will be doing with their grant. Speaking of the JNC I think that it is a great idea and remember going for the first time in second grade or in April to clean up the JNC. To reduce fertilizer pollution more foliage should be planted along with tighter regulations. I think that other problems the streams may have are the trucks hulling the cargo that may leak fuel or oil.
ReplyDeleteOpinion/Reflection: Since fertilizer use in these areas are vital in the agriculture industry, the use of the fertilizer will never go down so this is a natural occurrence. I do think that this is a type of pollution that has to become known to the national government. Obviously, the Midwest is having troubles fixing the issue. With the national governments help, the Midwest can receive help from many different hands and have opinions from many different minds. I do think that the government has many issues to solve, but I also believe that this issue is very important. To try to block off fertilizer pollution is just too hard of a task. There has to be a better way, and the government can help solve the Midwest's issue quickly.
ReplyDeleteExpansion: The thing that people can do to is not use as much fertilizer, even though that they need to use a sufficient amount. Also, the local waterways should be monitored and fecal matter being removed would really take a hit in pollution amounts. Obviously, fertilizers not being used is a given in the Midwest. But, the people can limit themselves as well as clean up.