Kiera Jefferson
The Everglades, a unique and treasured landscape, is facing a number of environmental challenges. The ecosystem, which is home to a rich array of plant and animal life, has been impacted by pollution from a variety of sources. Air pollution, climate change, and water pollution all pose significant threats to the delicate balance of the Everglades' ecosystems. With its proximity to industrial areas and agricultural practices, the Everglades is particularly vulnerable to pollutants such as nitrogen compounds, mercury, and phosphorus, which have been found in alarmingly high levels in the water, soil, and wildlife of the region. These pollutants have led to negative impacts on the natural communities of algae and native plants, as well as the health of the wildlife and humans who visit the park.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Phosphorus levels | Above the critical threshold of 10 parts per billion |
| Mercury levels | Above the EPA threshold for human consumption |
| Sulfate levels | Above the background level of 0.5 ppm |
| Air pollution | Haze-causing particles, including nitrogen and sulfur deposition, organic compounds, soot, and dust |
| Water flow | Unbalanced, with too much polluted water pumped to the coasts and too little freshwater flowing to the Everglades and Florida Bay |
| Restoration efforts | The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), including reservoirs and efforts to restore natural flows |
| Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) | 57,000 acres of treatment wetlands designed to remove phosphorus, with limited effectiveness on sulfate |
| Sensitive species | 3 nitrogen-sensitive tree species, 9 nitrogen-sensitive herbaceous species, 5 sulfur-sensitive tree species, 8 sulfur-sensitive herbaceous species |
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Phosphorus pollution
Phosphorus is a growth stimulant for plants, allowing the passage of other nutrients through plant membranes. While phosphorus is naturally abundant in Florida, found mostly in sedimentary rock and soil, excess amounts can become a pollutant. The natural plant and animal communities of the Everglades developed under low-phosphorus conditions, which shaped the landscape into an array of sawgrass, wet prairies, and open-water sloughs.
The main source of phosphorus pollution in the Everglades is agricultural runoff from the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Farmers use phosphorus-rich fertilizers, which are then released into the southern parts of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem via numerous canals. This has led to an increase in phosphorus concentrations in surface waters, promoting the growth of organisms such as algae and duckweed, which prefer higher nutrient levels. As a result, the habitats of aquatic and non-aquatic wildlife have been altered.
To address the issue of phosphorus pollution, the state and federal governments have constructed Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) to remove phosphorus from the water before it is discharged into the Everglades. These STAs are artificial wetlands built on former agricultural land within the EAA. While they have been successful in reducing phosphorus levels in canal water entering the Everglades, they are less effective at removing other contaminants such as sulfate.
The State of Florida has also proposed purchasing land in the EAA from the U.S. Sugar Corporation to end agricultural practices, including fertilizer use, on a significant portion of the fields. This plan is expected to help reduce phosphorus loads and improve water quality in the Everglades. However, restoring the Everglades to its original state is a complex and long-term endeavour.
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Mercury pollution
Mercury is a highly toxic substance that can have detrimental effects on both wildlife and humans. It is released into the environment through activities such as the burning of fuels and medical waste, as well as agricultural runoff. Once mercury becomes airborne, it can travel long distances and eventually reach bodies of water. Inorganic mercury can transform into its organic form, methylmercury, in surface waters, which then accumulates in food chains. This leads to increased mercury levels in larger animals and those consumed by humans.
Fish in the Everglades, including the largemouth bass, have been found with mercury levels exceeding the standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). This poses a risk to both wildlife and humans who consume these fish. Additionally, mercury has been detected in the feathers of wading birds, leading to disoriented behavior and reduced breeding success. Even apex predators like alligators and pythons have been found with high levels of mercury in their tissue.
The Florida Department of Health has issued "Do Not Eat" advisories for largemouth bass in most areas of the Everglades, especially for women of childbearing age and young children. Mercury has also been detected in bottlenose dolphins, with researchers finding the highest levels of mercury ever documented in mammals. This has raised concerns about the impact of mercury pollution on the health of both wildlife and humans who depend on the Everglades for their water supply.
Efforts are being made to address the issue of mercury pollution in the Everglades. Researchers from universities and state water agencies are working together to develop strategies to limit mercury levels. Additionally, the construction of Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) aims to remove phosphorus from water before it is discharged into the Everglades, although they are less effective in treating sulfate pollution.
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Air pollution
The Everglades National Park, a unique ecosystem, is under threat from air pollution. The air pollution in the Everglades is caused by industrial sources and emissions that can travel hundreds of miles. Due to its proximity to Miami and nearby industrial areas, air pollution easily travels to the park. Sugarcane burning, a practice used by the agricultural industry in Florida, also contributes to the air pollution in the Everglades.
The air pollution has resulted in a decline in the park's visibility, with haze caused by tiny particles in the air reducing how well and how far people can see. This haze is made up of pollutants such as nitrogen compounds, organic compounds, soot, and dust. These pollutants also contribute to nitrogen and sulfur deposition, which can disrupt the delicate balance of the Everglades' aquatic ecosystems, affecting nature and wildlife.
The air pollution has also led to an increase in mercury and pesticide levels in the park. These pollutants are of concern as they are toxic and persistent in the environment, travelling thousands of miles from their source and depositing in protected areas. Mercury has been found to harm wildlife, such as birds and fish, and has also caused human health concerns, with fish sampled at the park exceeding the EPA threshold for human consumption.
The lichens in the park are also affected by air pollution. Lichens are sensitive to changes in air pollution and can be used as indicators of nitrogen and sulfur pollution levels. Modelling has been conducted to understand the impact of air pollution on lichen communities, and critical loads of nitrogen and sulfur have been developed to prevent declines in lichen species richness and abundance.
There are efforts underway to address the air pollution affecting the Everglades. The NPCA is advocating for a strong regional haze rule in Florida to address haze emissions and hold the Florida Department of Environmental Protection accountable for sugar cane burning, which drives air pollution in the park. Additionally, the NPCA is working to address climate change and improve wetland health in the park by supporting the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee.
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Water flow
The Everglades has lost over 70% of its water flow due to urban and agricultural development and flood control measures. The reduction in water flow has damaged habitats and endangered species, such as tree islands and the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow. It has also disrupted the timing and volume of the water supply needed to maintain the biological integrity of the wetlands. The number of native birds and other wildlife has declined, and some have disappeared altogether.
Restoring the natural flow of water is a key goal of Everglades conservation efforts. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), approved by Congress in 2000, includes 68 components aimed at restoring, protecting, and preserving the Everglades. One critical aspect is the construction of reservoirs to store and treat water before sending it south to the Everglades and Florida Bay. This includes the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, which will help reduce harmful discharges and increase the flow of clean water to the region.
Another important strategy is the use of Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs), which are engineered wetlands that remove pollutants like phosphorus before water is discharged into the Everglades. While STAs have been effective in reducing phosphorus levels, they have limitations and require complementary efforts to achieve the desired water quality. Sending more clean water south is crucial for maintaining the health of the Everglades wetlands and peat soils, as it reduces the risk of oxidation and the release of phosphorus.
The timing and volume of water flow are also influenced by seasonal rainfall patterns in South Florida. By reconnecting Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades through improved operations and large storage reservoirs, it is possible to increase the quantity of water delivered to the region. This will have downstream benefits, such as reducing hypersalinity conditions in Florida Bay and protecting sensitive habitats.
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Everglades restoration
The Everglades is a unique and treasured landscape, recognised as the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi River and the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It is a network of natural resources, including sawgrass marshes, freshwater ponds, prairies and forested uplands that support a rich array of plant and animal life.
However, the Everglades has faced significant environmental challenges due to pollution, primarily from phosphorus and mercury. Phosphorus in agricultural and stormwater runoff has degraded water quality since the 1960s, disrupting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. To address this issue, the state and federal governments have constructed Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) to remove phosphorus before water is discharged into the Everglades. This $2 billion effort aims to reduce phosphorus levels to the very low levels needed to protect the ecosystem.
Mercury is another critical pollutant in the Everglades. Mercury is a toxic and persistent contaminant that can travel thousands of miles through the air, depositing in protected areas like national parks. It has been found in high concentrations in fish, exceeding the EPA threshold for human consumption. Mercury has also impacted bird populations, with research showing that egret nestlings with elevated mercury levels exhibited disoriented behaviour and reduced breeding success.
To address these issues, restoration initiatives have been implemented, including the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) approved by Congress in 2000. CERP includes 68 different project components and aims to restore the connected ecosystems of the Greater Everglades. One key project is the EAA Reservoir, which will provide water storage, treatment, and conveyance south of Lake Okeechobee, reducing harmful discharges to estuaries and improving water quality. Another significant project is the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, which involves constructing pump stations, plugging canals, and removing roads to restore water flow and enhance habitats for fish and wildlife.
The benefits of these restoration efforts include improved water quality, enhanced habitats for wildlife, and increased opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. The economic benefits are also significant, with a 2012 study showing that for every penny spent on CERP, the local economy gains at least four cents. These initiatives are vital to protect the unique ecosystem of the Everglades and ensure its health for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
The Everglades is facing a range of pollution issues, including elevated levels of phosphorus, mercury, nitrogen, sulfur, and pesticides. These pollutants are causing widespread changes to the ecosystem and threatening the survival of many species.
Human activities such as agriculture and flood-control projects have been the major sources of pollution in the Everglades. Agricultural runoff has led to high levels of phosphorus and mercury in the water, while air pollution from various sources has contributed to the elevated levels of nitrogen and sulfur.
Excess phosphorus transforms the Everglades marshes into cattails and contributes to toxic algae blooms in rivers and lakes. The natural plant and animal communities in the Everglades evolved under very low phosphorus conditions, so even a small increase in phosphorus levels can have significant impacts.
Mercury is a toxic contaminant that can travel through the air and deposit in protected areas like the Everglades. It has been found in high concentrations in fish, birds, and pythons, leading to reduced reproductive success, impaired growth, and decreased survival rates.
Efforts are being made to restore and protect the Everglades, including the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) approved by Congress in 2000, which includes 68 individual components. The construction of reservoirs, such as the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, is also being planned to store and treat water before sending it to the Everglades. Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) have also been created to remove phosphorus from the water.
