Explore the causes and effects of water contamination, including microplastics, chemicals, and stormwater runoff. Learn how to protect lakes, rivers, and freshwater resources.
In 2012, an environmental star of sorts was born, celebrated by Milwaukeeans, especially those who enjoy strolling along the Milwaukee Riverwalk or kayaking on Milwaukee River. The Lynyrd Skymmr is a 50-foot-long river skimmer that cruises Port Milwaukee‘s waterways several times a week to collect floating debris — dead fish, plastic bottles, branches and other
From the Great Pacific garbage patch to inland rivers, plastics are among the most widespread contaminants on Earth. Microplastics—particles of plastic smaller than five millimeters—are especially pervasive. As they build up in Earth’s waters, microplastics are also becoming a permanent part of the planet’s sedimentary layers. Now, using the Great Lakes as a laboratory, sedimentary
In the first study of its kind, an Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)-led research team estimates that more than 560,000 hermit crabs have been killed on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean and the Henderson Island in the Pacific after being trapped in plastic debris. The study was carried out by
Congratulations are in order to Buffalo Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District! Our customer recently mentioned they removed 1300 loads of weeds so far this year with their fleet of Aquarius equipment. Buffalo Lake is actually a flowage consisting of 2500 acres and is very shallow with a maximum depth of 8 feet. The shallow waters
Salt in water sources becoming worrisome in D.C. region, experts warn By Antonio Olivo August 8, 2022 at 6:00 a.m. EDT The Washington region is growing — a metropolis of nearly 6 million people where area officials are pressing to build another 320,000 homes by the end of this decade. And with that growth comes
Climate change affects creatures around the world. But land animals may have a slight advantage over marine species in running from the ill effects of global warming: the ability to escape. The oceans absorb the majority of the excess heat. Because they distribute the heat widely, ocean temperature gains are subtle. But, even a small
Following reports of hundreds of dead fish floating in Bayou Rouge in Cottonport, Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) conducted an investigation to find out what caused the fish kill. Officials determined that that fish died from a low dissolved oxygen level in the water, basically suffocating the fish. The low dissolved
A half century after the passage of the federal Clean Water Act, 50% of U.S. river and stream miles are so polluted that they are classified as “impaired.” Not only are these waterways impaired, but so are 55% of lakes, ponds and reservoirs and 25% of bays, estuaries and harbors. This means that none of
In a study recently published in the journal, “Aquatic Toxicology,” researchers found that while concentrations of the herbicide fluridone similar to those used when it’s applied to lakes to control Eurasian watermilfoil and hydrilla can have major impacts on fish reproduction. A research team with the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University
A toxic chemical commonly used in plastic products could soon be banned under international law following landmark UN recommendations that pave the way for stricter rules on microplastic and other plastic pollution. Tight new regulations are being proposed for UV-328, a chemical added to plastic food packaging, sunscreen, and other plastic products to prevent it