As per U. S. EPA estimates, every year in the U. S, 1. 2 trillion gallons of sewage from households, industries, and restaurants is dumped into U. S. waterways. Urbanization, agriculture, and sewage discharge are major contributors in the loss and degradation of North American wetlands, resulting in an increasing amount of pollutants in the waterways. A wetland is an area of land where the surface is partially or entirely covered by water, and is especially important in maintaining an ecological balance. Despite the benefits they bring, wetlands are dwindling and need to be protected.
Osmond, D. L!!! One major factor leading to wetland destruction is urbanization. The ever-growing human population has resulted in major urbanization and industrialization measures, which increase the input of contaminants in the water system. (Palaima, A. (2012)Metals, road salts, sediments, and other common pollutants are oftentimes not properly disposed of and enter wetlands through urban runoff. Runoff causes an increase in water temperature and decrease in oxygen levels, causing stress and even mortality in aquatic organisms.
The construction of surfaces such as roads, bridges, and parking lots, prevent rainfall from being absorbed into the ground. Instead, the water runs across these surfaces and into drains, picking up debris along the way. Eventually, the now contaminated water is released back into the water system. It isn’t uncommon for roads and bridges to be built across wetlands due to their low land value. This leads to increased traffic and activity, disrupting the natural habitat and forcing the relocation of native animal species.
Problems can also arise when animals must cross these roads and bridges. The increasing influence of humans also introduces exotic species. These are animals which do not naturally exist in an ecosystem and pose a threat. Studies show that most introduced species have a negative impact on the native habitat. They can affect the area’s physical and biological relationships, and alter habitat structure. For example, these organisms may compete with, prey upon, or facilitate native species. (Palaima, A. (2012) Another leading contributor in degradation is agriculture.
Harvesting, drainage, and pesticides from farming can affect hydrology, water quality, and species composition. Osmond, D. L!!! An increase in agricultural production and land use has resulted in the discharge of non-point source pollutants into aquatic ecosystems. The intensive application of fertilizer has lead to an increase of discharge from nutrients and sediments. Russo, R. E. (2008) According to the USEPA, suspended sediment is, by volume, the largest pollutant of aquatic ecosystems. Suspended sediment results in toxicity that can prove deadly for certain organisms.
Runoff from fertilizers and animal waste can cause damage to the ecosystem through the excessive richness of nutrients, which causes a lack of oxygen in the water, ultimately leading the death of flora and fauna. Osmond, D. L!!! A correlation between the conversion to agricultural land and the direct loss of wetlands has been observed. Livestock can create major problems for wetlands by overgrazing. Overgrazing can reduce streamside vegetation which prevents the filtration of runoff, thus increasing stream temperatures. This also eliminates food and cover for aquatic wildlife.
The traffic habits of livestock can result in the collapsing of dens and tunnels within wetlands. The urea and manure produced raises nutrient levels to an extreme, which may result in eutrophication. Reduced streamline vegetation also increases chances for erosion and sloughing on the banks. Osmond, D. L.!!! The final factor contributing to wetland loss is sewage discharge. Wastewater and stormwater cause the release of metals into the water supply, resulting in toxicity. Many of these metals, iron and magnesium in specific, can reach toxic concentrations that result in a loss of nutrient uptake in aquatic vegetation.
Over time, heavy metals saturate wetlands and are consumed by wildlife, causing deformities, cancers, and even death in both aquatic and terrestrial animals. Stormwater leads to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels in the water. Some of the algae produced is toxic to aquatic organisms. An abundance of algae can shelter other aquatic plants, preventing them from proper sunlight and limiting photosynthetic capabilities. Osmond, D. L.!!! Because wetlands have low property value, nearby land may be bought and used for landfill construction. This construction can alter the hydrology of the wetland.
The waste products of landfills, leachate, ammonium, iron, and manganese become toxic to plant and animal life in large amounts. There is also a large chance for hazardous wastes from households to be present, in addition to sewage sludge and industrial waste. The improper regulation of disposal facilities leave room where contamination may occur. Osmond, D. L.!!! Wetlands play an important role in maintaining an ecological balance. One advantage of wetlands is that they can reduce flood impact resulting from hurricanes, tsunamis, and heavy rainfall.
This comes from their ability to hold nearly a million gallons of water. Wetlands are able to trap and slowly release excess water because they have a large inlet and small outlet. They also act as buffers, slowing the flow of floodwater and reducing the peak flows from streams and rivers. This act can save crops from becoming waterlogged, protecting food supply. Additionally, wetlands support a number of aquatic and terrestrial animal and plant life. They are essential to the ecology of the watershed by providing the necessary elements for global water cycles to take place.
Wetlands hold the minerals and organic matter necessary to support the lives of microorganisms and invertebrates. These organisms represent one of the lowest tiers of the food web and serve as food for species of fish, amphibians, and insects. The web continues with birds and mammals, who rely on the watershed for food supply and shelter. This is especially important during migration cycles and breeding months. Palaima, Arnas!!! Perhaps most importantly, wetlands act as living filters, naturally removing dangerous toxins from drinking water.
They are able to absorb and remove pollutants that treatment plants may be inefficient in removing. This process occurs because of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that take place in aquatic plants. Specifically, there is the ability of the plant to translocate oxygen to its roots and the surrounding water. Water plants are also able to destroy pathogenic organisms that can have negative health effects on the human body. Russo, R. E. (2008) Because of the important roles that wetlands play, it is crucial that the proper measures are taken to ensure the safety of these aquatic ecosystems.
However, large-scale change will not be made from the influence of a single individual. Everyday people can support wetlands simply by the proper disposal of trash and pollutants. This will lead to reduced pollution, allowing wetlands to carry out proper filtration methods. Those who feel more strongly about protecting wetlands are encouraged to write to their congressional representatives, and support local and federal laws in favor of protection or restoration. If possible, one could even donate money or time to organizations that push for environmental change and restoration projects.
Tiner, R. W. (2013). In conclusion, wetlands play a vital part in reducing flood impact, supporting wildlife, and filtering water. Unfortunately, wetlands are at risk due to degradation caused by urbanization, agriculture, and sewage discharge. To minimize the effects humans have on wetlands, it is encouraged to properly dispose of waste, support laws in favor of protection, and donate to restoration projects. Humans are responsible for the loss of wetlands and need to do everything they can to protect the aquatic environments that are left.