Conclusion |
Research: Impacts of Cultural Eutrophication on Lakes
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Human-induced eutrophication has heavily degraded freshwater systems worldwide by reducing water quality and altering ecosystem structure and function. Population growth, industrialization, and excessive use of fertilizers have resulted in disproportionate amounts of phosphorus in lakes stimulating plant and algae overgrowth. With the demand for freshwater resources expected to increase substantially (Johnson et al. 2001), these anthropogenic influences have severe environmental and economic repercussions. A solution to eutrophication, especially in developing countries, is urgent since nutrient accumulation renders controlling eutrophication more difficult over time (Edmondson 1991). While the first and most obvious step toward protection and restoration of a lake is to divert or treat excessive phosphorus inputs via nutrient loading restrictions, this process alone is insufficient to produce immediate and long-lasting effects. Internal recycling of nutrients can maintain the eutrophic state in a lake for some period after loading is curtailed (WDNR 2003). Thus, strategies of bio manipulation should be implemented together with nutrient loading restrictions. Studies have shown that this combination of techniques is more cost efficient and effective to obtain clear water and control eutrophication levels than if any one method were implemented alone (Schindler 2006).
Even with modern strategies, the problem of eutrophication is multifaceted and many other aspects have to be better understood before lakes can fully recover. For example, responses of algae to phosphorus enrichment and food web structures must be considered to understand the changes that occur after alterations of nutrient loadings. An improved understanding of the interactive effects between grazers, nutrients, and algal production is necessary to successful eutrophication management (Havens et al. 2001). Further research is also needed to clarify and manage the key physical, chemical, and biological factors that determine the abilities of lakes to improve and reverse eutrophic conditions. New and innovative technologies have to be developed to limit phosphorus content in soil and runoff. At present, governments should implement more effective policies to regulate the industrial and agricultural sectors to reduce activities that contribute to eutrophication. It will be important to acquire the cooperation and understanding of these sectors to take greater measures to limit their nutrient loading. However, these dealings will take time and incur costs, which governments and the private sector may not be so willing to fund due to a loss of profit. Ultimately, it is imperative to increase public awareness and the environmental education of citizens and also to develop an integrated strategy to abate eutrophication (Jorgensen 2001). Only a collective community effort can more effectively reduce nutrient inputs to lakes (e.g.: by a reduction in detergent use) and bring cultural eutrophication under control.
Even with modern strategies, the problem of eutrophication is multifaceted and many other aspects have to be better understood before lakes can fully recover. For example, responses of algae to phosphorus enrichment and food web structures must be considered to understand the changes that occur after alterations of nutrient loadings. An improved understanding of the interactive effects between grazers, nutrients, and algal production is necessary to successful eutrophication management (Havens et al. 2001). Further research is also needed to clarify and manage the key physical, chemical, and biological factors that determine the abilities of lakes to improve and reverse eutrophic conditions. New and innovative technologies have to be developed to limit phosphorus content in soil and runoff. At present, governments should implement more effective policies to regulate the industrial and agricultural sectors to reduce activities that contribute to eutrophication. It will be important to acquire the cooperation and understanding of these sectors to take greater measures to limit their nutrient loading. However, these dealings will take time and incur costs, which governments and the private sector may not be so willing to fund due to a loss of profit. Ultimately, it is imperative to increase public awareness and the environmental education of citizens and also to develop an integrated strategy to abate eutrophication (Jorgensen 2001). Only a collective community effort can more effectively reduce nutrient inputs to lakes (e.g.: by a reduction in detergent use) and bring cultural eutrophication under control.