Forty-one towns in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, Brazil were affected when the Fundão iron mine tailings dam in Mariana, Minas Gerais state (Southeast Brazil) burst on November 5, 2015, and 19 people died. The toxic waste is estimated to have contaminated 240.8 hectares of Atlantic Rainforest and killed 14 metric tons of fish. Brazilian
Aquatic plants, whether invasive or native, can be described as either a mess or a resource. Natural plant growth covers 20 – 40% of the water and includes a diversity of plants. However, invasive plants such as Eurasian watermilfoil, hydrilla and water hyacinth quickly take over a lake covering 60% and sometimes 100% of the
Article Credit: wisconsinlakes.org Fertilizers, leaves, grass clippings, eroded soil, and animal waste are all sources of nutrients, including phosphorus. Phosphorus is main nutrient that drives eutrophication (premature aging) in most lakes. Relatively small amounts of phosphorus can cause water quality declines. A concentration of 25 parts per billion of phosphorus in water can promote excessive
As the leaves turn from green to yellow to orange to red, then down to the ground when they finally turn brown; it creates quite a bit of work for homeowners. It is important to dispose of leaves properly. Many cities offer curbside collection of leaves, where they are typically gathered and sent to
According to the dictionary, a weed is a plant considered undesirable, unattractive, or troublesome, especially one growing where it is not wanted. So while most aquatic plants are pegged as “seaweeds” the Japanese refer to them as sea vegetables. Many of the aquatic plants are of great value for both the ecological system in which