Effects Of Pollution Of The Kosciusko Lakes

Pollution of the Kosciusko Lakes
Pollution is one of the many ways that harm is inflicted upon the earth. It comes in two different forms, natural and artificial. Each one is equally damaging to the environment and hard to eradicate once introduced into the ecosystem. Natural pollution comes in forms of invasive species (plants and animals), but also can come in forms of run-off. Artificial pollution comes in the form of litter and adds to the harmful effects of the natural pollution. Invasive species take up space in the ecosystem and push out species that are native to the area. Litter (artificial pollution) makes it hard for animals and plants to live in their environment, and when invasive species are included many plants and/or animals
When plants are in the water oxygen is produced, which at first is helpful. However, when the plants start to decompose, bacteria starts to use and feed off of the oxygen being given off by the plants. After the plants have decomposed and the bacteria have used most of the oxygen, the bacteria begin to give off carbon dioxide which, in turn, limits the oxygen in the water for the fish and makes it difficult for them to survive. Once introduced, invasive species start to contaminate the entire lake because of the native species’ inability to compete. Plants produce in mass and decomposing begins, carbon dioxide is also produced in abundance because of the number of bacteria and each time the survival of the animals becomes more and more
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, also known as CAFOs, are a major industry in Indiana. Kosciusko county has around 77 CAFOs, which is more than all but five of Indiana’s 92 counties (Indiana Water). “Pollution from CAFOs threatens Kosciusko County’s famous lakes, which include the largest natural lake in Indiana (Lake Wawasee) and the deepest (Lake Tippecanoe), both popular tourist destinations” (Indiana Water). Manure from CAFOs is applied to fields as fertilizer by the ton. Manure contains high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen that increase the growth of plants, including invasive ones. The manure also creates perfect conditions for the growth of fecal bacteria, like E. Coli (Indiana Water). “To prevent pollution from livestock operations, CAFOs and the manure they generate should be barred from sensitive areas like floodplains and cave country, where minute amounts of pollution can trash essential underground aquifers” (Indiana Water). Although there are many ways to prevent pollution from CAFOs, farmers do not always follow the protocol and precautions recommended for safe storage and removal of chemicals and manure. “The huge basins or “lagoons” where CAFOs store manure by the tanker truckload should have to be leak-proof and set back a safe distance from homes and waterways. And if there are spills, good inspection, enforcement and penalties should ensure that polluters pay a price” (Indiana Water).