Greta Jimenez
The Great Lakes, one of the world's largest surface freshwater ecosystems, is a source of water, food, transportation, irrigation, jobs, and recreation for millions of people. However, human activities have severely impacted the lakes, with pollution from industry, agriculture, and urban development causing poor water quality, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss. This pollution has a direct impact on human health, as toxic chemicals and plastics enter the food chain and accumulate in our bodies, potentially leading to various health issues. With growing public concern and efforts from environmental organizations, there is a push to address these issues and restore the health of the Great Lakes for current and future generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic pollution | Microplastics have been found in fish, drinking water, bottled water, and beer. |
| Plastic is manufactured using dangerous chemicals and emits highly toxic, cancer-causing emissions. | |
| Plastic fragments absorb toxic chemicals and can harbor potentially dangerous microbes. | |
| It is estimated that we each ingest about a credit card-sized amount of plastic each week. | |
| About 85% of the trash collected by volunteers is plastic. | |
| Over the past 20 years, more than half a million pounds of litter, most of it plastic, have been collected. | |
| 86% of the litter collected on Great Lakes beaches is composed of plastic. | |
| Microplastics can affect brain development during pregnancy and reproductive systems. | |
| Industrial pollution | Pollution from bordering industries and mining contaminates streams and groundwater that feed into the lakes. |
| Industrial runoff can contain heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, which can enter the food chain and cause illness or death in animals and humans. | |
| Agricultural pollution | Chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides enter the lakes and cause elevated levels of nitrates and phosphates, leading to harmful algal blooms and eutrophication. |
| Algal blooms can be toxic and put human health at risk. | |
| Pesticides inhibit the reproduction of coho salmon eggs. | |
| Sewage pollution | Sewage disposal and runoff from urban environments contribute to water pollution. |
| Climate change | Increased water temperatures contribute to lowered water levels in the lakes. |
| Drying coastal wetlands increase exposure to toxic sediment pollution. | |
| Rising severe storms and rainfall events lead to sewage overflows. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution
The primary sources of plastic waste found in the Great Lakes are a combination of land-based and water-based sources. Land-based sources include urban runoff and industrial pollution, which contribute to macroplastic pollution through stormwater runoff. Water-based sources include vessels and boats, which can directly release plastics into the lakes. In addition, plastic can enter the lakes through littering, sewage overflows, stormwater runoff, and even through the air.
The Great Lakes are experiencing deteriorating water quality, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss due to decades of pollution. Plastic pollution is a major contributor to these issues, with more than 22 million pounds of plastic entering the lakes every year. Microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm, have been found in high amounts in all five Great Lakes. These microplastics can be ingested by aquatic organisms, leading to their incorporation into the food chain. Humans can then consume these contaminated fish and other lake-dwelling animals, with unknown health consequences.
Microplastics have been detected in human blood, organs, and even breast milk. While the specific effects on human health are not yet fully understood, studies suggest that microplastic ingestion could impact brain development during pregnancy and reproductive systems. Additionally, microplastics can absorb toxic chemicals and harbour potentially dangerous microbes, further exacerbating the potential risks to human health.
Efforts to combat plastic pollution in the Great Lakes include beach clean-up programs, such as the Alliance's Adopt-a-Beach initiative, and legislative actions to reduce plastic production and promote reuse systems. Individual actions, such as reducing plastic consumption and proper disposal of plastics, can also help mitigate plastic pollution in the Great Lakes.
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Industrial pollution
One of the main issues is nutrient oversaturation, which leads to harmful algal blooms. Excessive nutrient enrichment, known as eutrophication, is caused by high levels of phosphorus from municipal sewage treatment plants and other anthropogenic sources. This results in severe algal fouling, reducing available oxygen and leading to fish die-offs. The algae also release toxins that are harmful to native flora and fauna and pose a threat to human health.
Another concern is plastic pollution, with researchers finding high amounts of microplastics in all five Great Lakes. These microplastics are ingested by humans through drinking water, bottled water, and even beer, with an estimated credit card-sized amount of plastic consumed weekly. Plastic pollution is not only an environmental issue but also a public health threat, as plastic fragments absorb toxic chemicals and harbour dangerous microbes. Communities near plastic manufacturing factories are particularly vulnerable to toxic emissions and safety risks.
In addition to plastic pollution, toxic heavy metal contamination is another issue affecting the Great Lakes. This contamination can come from various industrial sources and mining efforts in the region, contaminating streams and groundwater that feed directly into the lakes. One example is the proposed construction of a vertical disposal facility at Lake Michigan, which has faced opposition due to the potential risk of releasing toxic waste into the lake and impacting drinking water supplies.
Furthermore, pesticides used in agriculture can also find their way into the Great Lakes, inhibiting the reproduction of fish and impacting bird populations. While the direct effect of these poisons on humans is unknown, their presence in the lakes highlights the complex interplay between industrial practices and the health of the surrounding ecosystems, which ultimately affects human well-being.
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Agricultural pollution
Agriculture has played a significant role in the history of the Great Lakes region, and its practices continue to impact the lakes and their tributaries. One of the greatest threats to the Great Lakes' health is the excess of chemicals, fertilizers, and sediment that enters the water due to irresponsible agricultural practices.
Farms are the primary source of nutrient pollution in the Great Lakes, and reducing agricultural runoff is crucial to mitigating this issue. The Alliance for the Great Lakes is working to develop solutions and advocate for mandatory regulations to limit nutrient pollution and protect drinking water for communities.
The impact of agricultural pollution on human health is evident in the case of Lake Erie, where nearly half a million people lost access to safe tap water due to toxic algae contamination. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Health's report found elevated nitrate levels in public and private water supply wells, leading to costly treatment processes to ensure safe drinking water.
Addressing agricultural pollution in the Great Lakes requires a systemic approach. Implementing regulations to reduce nutrient runoff, promoting sustainable farming practices, and reducing the use of single-use plastics are essential steps toward protecting the Great Lakes' ecosystem and the health and well-being of the communities that depend on them.
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Climate change
Warming temperatures in the Great Lakes can have a direct impact on fish populations, with certain species being unable to survive in warmer waters. For example, efforts are being made in Minnesota to save brook trout from the increasing temperature of the water. This has a direct impact on humans who rely on the lakes as a source of food. Warmer waters can also increase algae growth, ruining beaches and accelerating the ageing of the lake. Algal blooms can have a direct impact on human health, as seen in Lake Erie, where toxic algal blooms have resulted in health issues for residents.
The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal-fired electricity plants, is a significant contributor to climate change in the Great Lakes region. Closing these plants can not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also provide health benefits to residents by improving air quality. Indigenous communities, such as the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Iroquois, who have lived in the Great Lakes Basin for millennia, are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change as they rely on the lakes for freshwater, food, and transportation.
To address the health impacts of climate change in the Great Lakes region, various initiatives are being undertaken. The Nature Conservancy is working to advance smart policies, implement transformative projects, and compel people to take action. Additionally, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is a federally funded program that provides funding for restoration projects throughout the Great Lakes Basin region. However, it is important to note that the strategic plan for the GLRI does not currently address climate change or the needs of the most vulnerable communities.
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Algal blooms
Harmful algal blooms are characterized by the rapid growth of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. These blooms are a frequent occurrence in the Great Lakes, particularly in Lake Erie, Green Bay, and Saginaw Bay. The presence of cyanobacteria has significant implications for both the environment and human health. Cyanobacteria produce toxins that are harmful to humans, pets, and wildlife. As these toxins accumulate, they can lead to fish kills, discolored or foul-smelling water, and even impact the taste and odor of the surrounding areas.
The toxins released by cyanobacteria can have wide-ranging effects on human health. Inhalation of these toxins, for example, can pose risks to pulmonary health, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma. Additionally, the toxins can contaminate drinking water sources, leading to potential health risks for communities that rely on the Great Lakes for freshwater. The toxins may also affect the safety of recreational activities in and around the lakes, as direct contact with or ingestion of contaminated water can be harmful.
The occurrence of harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes has prompted various organizations to take action. The National Science Foundation and the Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health have funded research projects to study the links between climate change, algal blooms, and their effects on human health. Additionally, organizations like NOAA have provided substantial funding for harmful algal bloom research and monitoring activities in the Great Lakes and other U.S. coastal waters. These efforts aim to deepen our understanding of the impacts of algal blooms and guide effective mitigation strategies.
Addressing the issue of harmful algal blooms requires a comprehensive approach. Implementing policies to reduce nutrient runoff from agricultural and urban sources, adapting to the challenges posed by climate change, and improving water treatment processes can all play a role in mitigating the proliferation of algal blooms. By taking concerted action, we can protect the health and well-being of both the ecosystems and human communities that depend on the Great Lakes.
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Frequently asked questions
Pollution in the Great Lakes can affect human health in a variety of ways. Firstly, the presence of toxic chemicals and microplastics in the water can contaminate the food chain, leading to potential health risks for humans who consume fish or other aquatic organisms. Additionally, pollution can impact the quality of drinking water, making it unsafe for human consumption. Furthermore, pollutants can cause harmful algal blooms, which can ruin beaches and affect human health through skin contact or inhalation.
The main sources of pollution in the Great Lakes are industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and plastic pollution. Industrial activities along the shores of the lakes contribute significantly to water contamination, with chemicals, oils, and untreated sewage being dumped directly into the water. Agricultural practices, such as the overuse of pesticides, fertilizers, and single-crop farming, also lead to water pollution and algal blooms. Plastic pollution, including microplastics, is another significant issue, with an estimated 22 million pounds of plastic entering the Great Lakes each year.
Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes poses a serious threat to both the environment and public health. Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles, can be ingested by humans through contaminated food or drinking water. These microplastics have been found to contain toxic chemicals and harmful microbes, which can potentially lead to health issues. While the full extent of the health risks is still being studied, initial concerns include possible impacts on brain development during pregnancy and reproductive systems.
