Helena Joyce
The Everglades, a biodiverse subtropical ecosystem in South Florida, is facing a pollution crisis. Water and air pollution from agricultural runoff, industrialisation, and power plants are threatening the survival of the park's unique wildlife and plant species. High levels of phosphorus, mercury, nitrogen, and sulfur have degraded water quality, causing harmful changes to the ecosystem and threatening human health. To stop pollution in the Everglades, comprehensive restoration plans have been proposed, including the $2 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and the Everglades Forever Act. These initiatives aim to improve water quality, manage nutrient levels, and restore natural water flows to protect the Everglades for future generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water quality issues | Phosphorus enrichment, elevated mercury in wildlife, eutrophication, acidification, high levels of hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen and sulfur pollution |
| Sources of pollution | Fertilizer runoff from farms, industrialisation, power plants, agricultural applications |
| Effects of pollution | Loss of native plant and animal communities, including wading birds and algae, increase in invasive species, damage to estuaries, harm to wildlife and humans, climate change |
| Solutions | Reduce phosphorus runoff, restore natural water flows, construct reservoirs and treatment wetlands, limit phosphorus discharge, reduce nitrogen and carbon dioxide emissions, recycle and reuse |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce phosphorus in water
Phosphorus is a limiting nutrient in Everglades water quality. The natural phosphorus level in the Everglades is between 4 and 10 ppb. However, agricultural pollution has led to excess phosphorus in the water, which has degraded water quality and caused widespread changes in the Everglades.
One way to reduce phosphorus in the water is by routing polluted water through Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs). These are large, engineered wetlands that remove phosphorus from water and sequester it in the soil. However, STAs have limits in their ability to cut phosphorus levels, reducing inflow concentrations by around 80 to 85%. To achieve the target phosphorus level of 10 ppb, farmers must also reduce phosphorus runoff from their fields.
Another way to reduce phosphorus in the water is by sending more clean water south. This will keep Everglades wetlands and peat soils hydrated, making them less likely to oxidize and release phosphorus when exposed to the air. This can be achieved through the use of large storage reservoirs, such as the EAA Reservoir, which store water during the wet season and release it during the dry season.
Additionally, farmers can implement best management practices to reduce phosphorus before the water leaves their farms. This can include practices such as reducing fertilizer applications, which can contain high levels of phosphorus.
By reducing phosphorus in the water, we can help protect the natural plant and animal communities that the Everglades are known for, which have developed under very low phosphorus conditions.
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Limit mercury in wildlife
Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause an array of health issues ranging from mild to severe. It is a global pollutant that can travel through the air for thousands of miles and deposit in protected areas like national parks. Mercury levels in the Everglades have been a concern for decades, with the substance being found in the tissue of wildlife, including fish caught for human consumption.
The primary source of mercury in the Everglades is the runoff water from sugar fields in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Each year, large amounts of sulfur are added to the soil in this area to promote higher crop yields. The sulfur promotes the bioaccumulation of mercury, which then enters the food chain and accumulates in higher concentrations as it moves up. This process, known as methylation, results in the formation of methylmercury, a powerful teratogen, endocrine disruptor, and neurotoxin that is readily absorbed and biomagnified through the food web.
To limit mercury in wildlife in the Everglades, the following steps can be taken:
- Regulate the runoff from the EAA: The high levels of mercury in the Everglades are primarily due to runoff water from sugar fields in the EAA. By implementing better regulations and treatment methods for this runoff water, the amount of mercury entering the Everglades can be reduced.
- Limit the use of sulfur in agriculture: Sulfur is a major contributor to the bioaccumulation of mercury in the Everglades. Reducing or limiting the use of sulfur in agriculture, especially in the EAA, can help decrease the formation and accumulation of toxic mercury in the ecosystem.
- Implement international treaties: The Minamata Convention on Mercury, signed in 2017, is an international treaty aimed at limiting the use and exposure to mercury. Supporting and implementing such treaties can help reduce mercury pollution in the Everglades and protect wildlife and human health.
- Monitor and treat the environment: Regular monitoring of mercury levels in the water, soil, and wildlife can help identify areas of concern and track the effectiveness of remediation efforts. While complete decontamination of the Everglades may not be feasible in the short term, treating the soil, air, and water can help reduce the overall mercury levels in the ecosystem.
- Promote awareness and education: Increasing awareness about the dangers of mercury pollution and its impact on the Everglades can help garner support for conservation efforts. Educating the public about the sources of mercury pollution and how to reduce them can also empower individuals to make informed choices and contribute to pollution reduction.
By implementing these strategies and working together, it is possible to limit mercury in wildlife in the Everglades and protect the health and well-being of this unique ecosystem and the people who depend on it.
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Protect against invasive species
The Everglades, a unique network of natural resources, is home to dozens of threatened or endangered species. However, it is also a hotspot for invasive species, with non-native plants making up a third of Florida's total plant biomass. The introduction of these species can be attributed to the state's unique geography, the release of exotic pets and ornamental plants into the wild, and the drainage of natural habitats for farmland and urban areas.
To protect against invasive species, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to their establishment and spread. Florida's geographical isolation makes it easier for foreign species to establish themselves, as they face less competition and fewer predators. Additionally, the release of exotic pets and ornamental plants, either accidentally or intentionally, has contributed significantly to the invasive species problem.
One way to prevent the introduction of invasive species is to regulate the trade of exotic pets and ornamental plants. This can include stricter import controls, licensing requirements, and public education campaigns about the risks of releasing non-native species into the environment. Early detection and rapid response are also crucial for preventing the establishment and spread of invasive species. Regular monitoring and surveillance can help identify new invasive species before they become established, allowing for more effective control and management.
In addition to prevention and early detection, active management of invasive species is essential. This can include physical or mechanical removal, such as trapping and euthanizing Burmese pythons and Argentine black-and-white tegus. Prescribed fires can also be used to control the spread of certain invasive plants, such as Brazilian pepper and climbing ferns. In some cases, biological control methods may be effective, introducing natural predators or pathogens to control invasive species populations.
While complete eradication of invasive species may not be possible, especially in vast and impenetrable wetlands, ongoing management and containment efforts are crucial to protecting the native flora and fauna of the Everglades. Adaptive management approaches that incorporate monitoring, evaluation, and adjustments based on learning are essential to effectively protect against invasive species and restore the Everglades ecosystem.
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Improve water flow from Lake Okeechobee
The Everglades is a unique network of natural resources, home to dozens of threatened or endangered species. The ecosystem has been damaged by pollution, including high levels of phosphorus, mercury, and other toxins. One of the main sources of pollution is Lake Okeechobee, which has been affected by agricultural runoff and stormwater containing high levels of phosphorus and other chemicals. To improve water flow from Lake Okeechobee and reduce pollution, several measures can be taken:
Firstly, the implementation of more natural flows from the lake can help improve the freshwater balance in the Everglades and Florida Bay. This involves restoring the natural southerly flow of water from Lake Okeechobee through the Everglades and into Florida Bay, which has been disrupted by 21st-century barriers such as dams and ditches. By allowing water to flow more naturally, the ecosystem can act as a natural nutrient removal system, reducing the levels of phosphorus and other pollutants in the water.
Secondly, the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM) aims to reduce harmful discharges to coastal estuaries while increasing beneficial flows to the Everglades. The strengthening of the Herbert Hoover Dike in January 2023 was a catalyst for LOSOM, and it is hoped that this will reduce the need for emergency discharges that have caused ecological damage in the past. By following LOSOM guidelines, water managers can make more controlled releases of water from the lake, reducing the risk of uncontrolled discharges that can harm the environment.
Thirdly, large-scale restoration infrastructure projects, such as the EAA Reservoir Project, can help improve water flow and reduce pollution. These projects aim to store, clean, and send more water south from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades, cutting out damaging coastal discharges. By treating the water before it is released, projects like the EAA Reservoir can significantly reduce the amount of pollution that reaches the Everglades and other sensitive ecosystems.
Additionally, farmers and landowners surrounding Lake Okeechobee can implement best management practices to reduce phosphorus and other pollutants before the water leaves their property. This can include measures such as reducing the use of certain fertilizers or treating stormwater before it enters the lake. By working together, farmers and landowners can have a significant impact on reducing pollution and improving water flow from Lake Okeechobee.
Finally, the state and federal governments can continue to construct and expand treatment wetlands, also known as Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs). These STAs are designed to remove phosphorus and other pollutants from the water before it is discharged into the Everglades. By increasing the number and capacity of these treatment areas, the government can help improve water quality and reduce the environmental impact of Lake Okeechobee discharges.
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Reduce air pollution from power plants
The United States has laws that govern the effects of electricity generation on the environment, such as the Clean Air Act, which regulates air pollutant emissions from power plants. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the Clean Air Act and sets emissions standards for power plants through various programs such as the Acid Rain Program.
To protect Americans' health from power plant pollution, the EPA adopted the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in 2011. These standards have been successful in reducing pollution from power plants, preventing premature deaths, heart attacks, asthma attacks, and hospital visits. The standards also reduce other power plant pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.
- Implement the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards: These standards have been proven to reduce air pollution from power plants, and it is important that they are maintained and upheld to protect public health.
- Burn low-sulfur-content coal: Power plants can reduce SO2 emissions by burning coal with a lower sulfur content.
- Cofire wood chips with coal: Some coal-fired power plants cofire wood chips with coal, which can help reduce SO2 emissions.
- Pretreat and process coal: Pretreating and processing coal before combustion can reduce undesirable compounds in the combustion gases.
- Use particulate emission control devices: Different kinds of emission control devices, such as bag-houses, electrostatic precipitators, and wet scrubbers, can be used to treat combustion gases and remove particulates.
- Manage coal ash responsibly: Coal ash contains hazardous materials, and proper management, such as storing it in lined ponds or sending it to landfills, can help prevent groundwater pollution and downstream damage.
- Transition away from coal: Closing coal plants is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions from the power sector. The EPA's rules provide a roadmap for the closure of coal plants, and it is important to plan the transition carefully to ensure a reliable energy supply.
- Set emissions standards for toxic metals and mercury: The EPA has released rules that raise emissions standards for toxic metals and mercury, helping to reduce pollution from coal plants.
- Reduce wastewater pollution: Implement rules that reduce pollutants discharged through wastewater from coal plants.
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Frequently asked questions
The Everglades is facing pollution from a variety of sources. There is air pollution from power plants, and fertilizer runoff from agriculture and industrialization.
Fertilizer runoff from nearby farms has added phosphorus to the marshes. This has led to a reduction in bird populations and an increase in invasive plant species, which have displaced the natural flora.
Pollutants like mercury and pesticides are toxic and can travel in the air for thousands of miles, even reaching protected places like national parks. They can harm wildlife like birds and fish, and cause human health issues.
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was approved by Congress in 2000 with a budget of over $10.5 billion. The plan includes the construction of reservoirs to store and treat water from Lake Okeechobee, and efforts to restore natural flows. Farmers are also implementing practices to reduce phosphorus in water before it leaves their farms.
Individuals can help by minimizing their contribution to pollution and global warming. This includes reducing the use of cars, reusing and recycling, changing lightbulbs, and unplugging electronic devices when not in use.
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