Water quality of the Chippewa River vs. the Grand River
Fresh water sources provide incredibly essential resources of biodiversity that aren’t found in abundance anywhere else. Surprisingly perhaps, new species are found with amazing regularity every year in fresh water sources. According to a study done on “Approximately 100 new species of freshwater fishes are described each year, compared with perhaps 2 new bird species” (Allan and Flecker 1993). Among the new species are species that are endangered or unique only to those fresh water sources. “‘A substantial fraction of the rare and threatened species of North America are aquatic, and primarily freshwater taxa”’ (Allan and Flecker 1993). Biodiversity is incredibly important to maintain …show more content…
Allan and Flecker’s study notes that, “the greatest invertebrate diversity is located within a few groups, including several minute, interstitial phyla… these taxa are both the least well described and most difficult to identify” (Allan and Flecker 1993). Because of the secluded nature of the ponds, and the quieter nature of the streams, diversity of life is able to flourish. It is notable that North American streams are more diverse than many other similar types of streams found in different countries. “the darters and minnows (particularly the genera Etheostoma and Notropis) have undergone great diversification in the small streams of North America, resulting in higher local diversity than is found in comparable streams of Europe” (Allan and Flecker 1993). For sure the smaller species experience a great benefit from North America’s streams however this is definitely not always true. The larger aquatic freshwater life has seen golden times as well. Allan and Flecker further note, “the extent of the endangerment of North American freshwater fishes… 103 species and subspecies as endangered, 114 as threatened, and 147 as deserving of special concern” (Allan and Flecker 1993). Despite the vast diversity, there is still great cause for concern because these small inland ponds and streams are still facing many man made problems that pollute their environment and poison their …show more content…
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, “Agriculture and urban activities are major sources of phosphorus and nitrogen to aquatic ecosystems” (Carpenter et al. 1998). The nitrogen and phosphate are dangerous for the fresh water systems because, “In aquatic ecosystems, these nutrients cause diverse problems such as toxic algal blooms, loss of oxygen, fish kills, loss of biodiversity (including many species important for commerce and recreation)” (Carpenter et al. 1998). But there are things that can be done about the problem. Carpenter et al. points out that, “nutrient flows to aquatic ecosystems are directly related to animal stocking densities, and under high livestock densities” (Carpenter et al. 1998). This means that working with farms and places where livestock is raised, and helping them to understand the effects of their methods and to modify those methods, then slowly the streams and ponds will being to
Fresh water sources provide incredibly essential resources of biodiversity that aren’t found in abundance anywhere else. Surprisingly perhaps, new species are found with amazing regularity every year in fresh water sources. According to a study done on “Approximately 100 new species of freshwater fishes are described each year, compared with perhaps 2 new bird species” (Allan and Flecker 1993). Among the new species are species that are endangered or unique only to those fresh water sources. “‘A substantial fraction of the rare and threatened species of North America are aquatic, and primarily freshwater taxa”’ (Allan and Flecker 1993). Biodiversity is incredibly important to maintain …show more content…
Allan and Flecker’s study notes that, “the greatest invertebrate diversity is located within a few groups, including several minute, interstitial phyla… these taxa are both the least well described and most difficult to identify” (Allan and Flecker 1993). Because of the secluded nature of the ponds, and the quieter nature of the streams, diversity of life is able to flourish. It is notable that North American streams are more diverse than many other similar types of streams found in different countries. “the darters and minnows (particularly the genera Etheostoma and Notropis) have undergone great diversification in the small streams of North America, resulting in higher local diversity than is found in comparable streams of Europe” (Allan and Flecker 1993). For sure the smaller species experience a great benefit from North America’s streams however this is definitely not always true. The larger aquatic freshwater life has seen golden times as well. Allan and Flecker further note, “the extent of the endangerment of North American freshwater fishes… 103 species and subspecies as endangered, 114 as threatened, and 147 as deserving of special concern” (Allan and Flecker 1993). Despite the vast diversity, there is still great cause for concern because these small inland ponds and streams are still facing many man made problems that pollute their environment and poison their …show more content…
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, “Agriculture and urban activities are major sources of phosphorus and nitrogen to aquatic ecosystems” (Carpenter et al. 1998). The nitrogen and phosphate are dangerous for the fresh water systems because, “In aquatic ecosystems, these nutrients cause diverse problems such as toxic algal blooms, loss of oxygen, fish kills, loss of biodiversity (including many species important for commerce and recreation)” (Carpenter et al. 1998). But there are things that can be done about the problem. Carpenter et al. points out that, “nutrient flows to aquatic ecosystems are directly related to animal stocking densities, and under high livestock densities” (Carpenter et al. 1998). This means that working with farms and places where livestock is raised, and helping them to understand the effects of their methods and to modify those methods, then slowly the streams and ponds will being to