Environmental studies and Forestry

Water Pollution

Southeast Florida, including the urban agglomeration of Palm Beach, Broward, and Dade Counties, the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, and the Florida Keys encompass a large, interconnected land area fraught with various environmental and societal issues. As a state, and our local area in particular, we are surrounded and inundated with water when considering our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico (and directly connected bays and waterways), and the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. As such, because of our interconnectedness with all this water, water pollution is a major concern for us all. Regarding water pollution as the topic of Chapter 21, complete the following for your discussion forum on this topic.

A. Of the eight categories of water pollutants discussed within Chapter 21, choose one and discuss the following (this is worth 6 points (1.5pts each):

a) Describe an example(s) of this type pollutant that may be an issue in and around Miami Dade County.

b) What are the effects this pollution may have on the natural environment in and around Miami Dade County?; effects on our society (the people, infrastructure, and other societal aspects in and around Miami Dade County?; has this type water pollutant personally affected you?

c) What is the source(s) of this type water pollutant? Describe, and also include if this water pollutant is a point source or nonpoint source pollutant.

d) Briefly describe how this water pollutant may be eliminated or better controlled (depending on the necessity of why this pollutant is produced).

B. After you have posted, you must respond to at least two of your classmates right there on the discussion thread. This is worth 4 points (2 pts each).

A response needs to be something substantial and contribute something significant to the conversation, not just saying “Good job.” or ” I like how you explained …”. Say something original and significant. Contribute some information, describe an example, share an experience, ask a thoughtful question, etc. If you are asked a thoughtful question, part of your significant response can be providing an intelligible response to that question. Each response should be at least a paragraph in length, that is, at minimum, 4-5 full sentences. Each response post is worth 2 points.

This discussion board is worth 10 points and goes toward your “participation” grade.

Do your own work, do not copy or even paraphrase somebody else’s work. I’ll be on the lookout for such things as I grade and have various tools available to check for plagiarism. All college rules of Academic Dishonesty are fully in effect.

ANSWER

Water Pollution

Some of the common water pollutants in Miami Dade County are chemicals originating from agricultural activity in the area. The pollutants result from the use of pesticides and fertilizers for agriculture and livestock rearing in Miami Dade County, southeast Florida. The chemicals from fertilizers are absorbed by the earth’s surface, which permeable. The chemicals then flow down to the ground and into the water table polluting the water.

Agricultural pollution is harmful to the environment and the people that surround it. This is because the pollutants in the water poison the fish and the wildlife around the area. Once the chemicals dissolve into the water, the water becomes poisonous, and hence it is not suitable for consumption for human life and animals (Evans et al., 2019). Once the polluted water poisons the wildlife and the vegetation cover, it reduces the number of tourists who travel to the area for the wildlife and aquatic experience, and this affects the economy of the area, which leaks down to the infrastructure. Agricultural pollution affects all members of society as they end up drinking the same polluted water.

The water pollutants come from agricultural activities. The chemicals seep through the soil into the groundwater, which ends up in the water table and pollutes the water. Chemical pollutants from agriculture are nonpoint water pollutants. Agricultural pollution is hard to identify and hard to address because agriculture is an essential part of the economy (Evans et al., 2019). This water pollution can be addressed and controlled by using other methods of pest control and the use of manure instead of fertilizers. The other pest control methods may not be as efficient as the use of pesticides, but they are suitable for the environment. The use of manure instead of fertilizers, on the other hand, is efficient and produces good yields.

References

Evans, A. E., Mateo-Sagasta, J., Qadir, M., Boelee, E., & Ippolito, A. (2019). Agricultural water pollution: key knowledge gaps and research needs. Current opinion in environmental sustainability, 36, 20-27.