Explore the causes and effects of water contamination, including microplastics, chemicals, and stormwater runoff. Learn how to protect lakes, rivers, and freshwater resources.
Indian Kashmir used to be a place people compared to mythical Shangri-La–verdant and unspoiled. And Nigeen Lake, in a green valley surrounded by the Himalayas, is considered by waterways officials to be the least polluted waterway in the city of Srinagar (population 1.3 million). Nigeen is important for tourism, recreation, and the city’s image, but
Every year, about 8-million tons of plastic ends up in our oceans, which is equal to five bags filled with plastic going along every foot of coastline in the world, according to Plastic Oceans, a non-profit organization. By 2025, they estimate the annual input will be about twice that. But how exactly is so much
Before issuing a request for quotations to private contractors for the mechanical harvesting of macrophytes, or pond weeds, as part of cleanup efforts at Mill Pond in East Falmouth, the Falmouth Water Quality Management Committee will gather additional information about permitting requirements from the state as well as the permit process from the Town of
Microplastics are merging with bacteria and turning into large clumps in sea water, scientists have discovered. Glue-like molecules emitted by bacteria – called biopolymers – join with the plastic particles to form large masses. Scientists have warned that these ‘complex’ masses pose a threat to marine wildlife as they can easily mistake them for food.
Seabirds like albatrosses belong to the most threatened bird group in the world. Coincidentally, this group of birds (Procellariiformes) also ingests the highest amount of human garbage found in oceans around the world. At this very moment, 250,000 tonnes of garbage is drifting through the world’s oceans and threatening marine wildlife who mistake it for
The head of Three Mile Harbor, and Georgica, Wainscott, and Hook Ponds are among the water bodies that continued to be compromised by harmful algal blooms or high levels of fecal coliform bacteria. Georgica Pond’s water quality improved last year, Dr. Gobler told the trustees, which he said was likely the result of the aquatic
A new report says some levels of pollution are down in the Potomac River, but cautioned that the once-troubled waterway isn’t out the woods yet. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments analyzed data collected between 1985 and 2016 and found that “water quality improvements have reduced pollution significantly.” MWCOG’s 27-page report said two substances in particular
Dane County’s 13 aquatic plant harvesters will aid county efforts to mitigate flooding in the Yahara Chain of Lakes in Wisconsin. Dane County’s total operating budget for lake weed management in 2019 is $773,400 – a more than 53 percent increase in funds compared to last year. Harvesting of aquatic plants occurs over an area
Fishtrap is one of the larger lakes in Eastern Kentucky, at more than 1,000 acres, and it attracts about 200,000 visits per year. Boaters also frequent Fishtrap to cruise and admire the steep mountains and rocky outcroppings that jut up from the banks. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resource manager at Fishtrap said the