Environmental
Project: Chemical Runoff Research Report
Chemical runoff is
the runoff of chemicals into waterways. These chemicals can either be from
pesticides or fertilizers for farms or lawns. The chemicals allow for farmers and
gardeners to have more control over the land, providing for stronger crops or
prettier lawns. But every benefit has its drawback, and in this case it’s
pollution of lakes and rivers. When the excess nutrients from fertilizers get
carried away by rain, they end up in waterways which cause algae to bloom. This
bloom can block water flow or deplete the water of oxygen, causing aquatic life
die in “death zones”. The chemicals can also poison the fish
directly by getting into their digestion systems.
Chemical runoff
effects the carbon-oxygen cycle by increasing algae population which cause a
slower carbon rate. This cycle starts with photosynthesis, by plants taking in
carbon dioxide, water and sunlight and releasing oxygen. At the same time
animals are taking in oxygen that the plant provided and releasing carbon
dioxide, in a process called respiration. Decomposers also have a role in this
cycle by breaking down dead organisms and returning carbon and oxygen back to
the atmosphere. When algae blooms occur, they block out sunlight, so rooted
plants cannot photosynthesis, causing death. Algae sink to the floor when they
die, oxygen to decompose themselves. Without oxygen in the water other aquatic
life either die, or are forced to move to more healthy waters, disrupting the
food chains.
Many organism feed
on algae, including small fish and snails. The fish that eat snails get eaten
by whooping cranes in North Texas. Algae blooms, caused by runoff, will either
over populate its habitat, or drown out the other species. More algae means a
bigger population of species connected to that alga, in order to keep a stable
populace. 60 years ago many species of producers lived in Grapevine Lake, like
algae and cattails. Organisms that ate these plants were minnows, insects and
snails. In return bigger organisms ate those, like whopping cranes or other
birds, white bass, and catfish. Today there is more algae in the waters,
reducing the number of cattails. Without the cattails insects and other small
fish have to find other food sources. If there are reductions in this section,
the minnows and bass also have to find alternatives, ultimately ending in the
loss of top level consumers. If this continues, in 60 years algae will be the
only producer available, with fewer consumers living in the water; instead of
clear flowing water it will be stagnant and swampy. 
Agencies and
companies are taking measures to prevent this outcome like public awareness and
protection. Agencies, like the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), suggest proper disposal of household
chemicals, pet excretions, used oil, and other debris according to city
management. In hopes of minimizing pollutants in streams, cities like Fort
Worth, seek evaluations of street sweeping, storm drainage systems, leaf and
litter collection, lawn care management. When contacted, Trugreen ®lawn
service says they have a pesticide that degrades quickly on grass and is
immeasurable after 30 days. Ways to reduce chemical runoff even more would be
to use organic fertilizers. These fertilizers are made up of compost manure and
other natural materials. Use of these will improve soil fertility, while
protecting ground water and avoiding endangering aquatic wild life, due to
chemical runoff.
*sites used: Cites used
*sites used: Cites used
Carbon and oxygen process article by: Debopriya
Bose. 2010
Environmental Protection Agency: pollution prevention
management measure. January 13, 2010
The Scientific American: “How Fertilizers Harm Earth More
than Help your Lawn.” July 20, 2009 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/grapevine/
Texas Parks and Wildlife: Lake Grapevine
Trugreen contact: (1-866-369-9539)
