Lake Michigan's Pollution Problem: What's The Deal?

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes, which together comprise the largest source of fresh water on Earth. However, the environmental situation of Lake Michigan is worsening. The lake is being polluted by plastic, fertilizer, sewage, industrial waste, pesticides, and chemicals. This pollution is damaging the lake's ecosystem and harming human health. The issue is particularly prominent in Chicago, where Lake Michigan is the drinking water supply.

Fecal and bacterial pollution

Fecal pollution in Lake Michigan is caused by E. coli bacteria, which poses a health risk to swimmers and often leads to beach closures. This type of pollution is typically more prevalent after rainfall, and is not unique to Lake Michigan, as similar issues are observed on the East Coast.

Bacterial pollution in Lake Michigan is also associated with toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS, which are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals are released into the atmosphere and water sources, and their carbon-fluorine bonds are extremely difficult to break down. As a result, PFAS accumulates in the environment and can be detected in rain and water bodies across the Great Lakes region.

The presence of PFAS in Lake Michigan is concerning due to its potential health risks. These chemicals can build up in the human body, causing cancer and other diseases. While the Biden administration has implemented drinking water regulations for some PFAS chemicals, the widespread presence of these "forever chemicals" in the lake underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to control their release into the environment.

In addition to PFAS, Lake Michigan is also affected by microplastic pollution. Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments that are often invisible to the naked eye. They enter the lake through plastic waste, synthetic fibers, decomposing plastic bottles, and even personal care products like toothpaste. These microplastics can pass through water filtration systems and are eventually consumed by humans and wildlife. Studies have found microplastics in the digestive tracts of fish and various other organisms in the lake's ecosystem, leading to potential health risks and ecological disruptions.

To address the issue of fecal and bacterial pollution in Lake Michigan, a combination of measures is necessary. These include improving wastewater treatment processes, reducing the use of single-use plastics, implementing effective filtration systems, and advocating for stricter regulations to control the release of toxic chemicals into the environment.

Plastic pollution

Lake Michigan is one of the Great Lakes, which span over 500 miles and contain 84% of North America's surface freshwater. The Great Lakes are home to some of the most beautiful waterways and shorelines in the United States, but they are under threat from plastic pollution.

The Rochester Institute of Technology estimates that 11 million pounds of plastic enter Lake Michigan each year, out of a total of 22 million pounds of plastic pollution that ends up in the Great Lakes annually. This plastic pollution is a consumption problem, with most of the plastic being single-use. Plastic never truly goes away; instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics, which have been found in alarming amounts in all five Great Lakes. Microplastics have been detected in Great Lakes fish, drinking water, bottled water, and beer. They have also been found in the digestive tracts of fish in Lake Michigan tributaries, as well as in mussels, algae, invertebrates, and birds.

The Alliance for the Great Lakes, through its Adopt-a-Beach program, has been working to keep plastic out of the Great Lakes. Thousands of volunteers participate in shoreline cleanups, removing tens of thousands of pounds of trash each year, of which about 85% is plastic. However, beach cleanups alone cannot solve the magnitude of the plastic problem. A more systemic solution is needed, such as reducing the production of single-use plastic and holding producers responsible for the waste generated by their products.

In Evanston, for example, reducing plastic pollution is part of the Climate Action and Resilience Plan's zero-waste goal by 2050. While the city has not yet taken concrete steps towards this goal, a ban on single-use plastics is being considered. Similarly, in Illinois, Environment Illinois is campaigning for a ban on foam takeout cups and containers to reduce plastic pollution.

Interventions are needed along the entire supply chain to address the plastic pollution problem effectively. While recycling is an option, it is not a foolproof solution as most plastics are not regularly recycled, and even when they are, they can only be repurposed a limited number of times.

Fertiliser and pesticide pollution

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes, which together comprise the largest freshwater source on Earth. The Great Lakes provide drinking water for many people, as well as supporting fishing, tourism, transportation, wildlife, and ecosystems.

However, the Great Lakes are under threat from pollution, and Lake Michigan is no exception. Fertiliser and pesticide runoff from farming and agriculture is a significant contributor to the pollution of Lake Michigan. Fertilisers are full of nutrients that can cause algae to grow out of control and take over the water surface. This process, known as eutrophication, results in severe algal fouling of the lake, creating aesthetic, taste, and odor problems, reducing available oxygen, and leading to fish die-offs. Eutrophication is caused by excessive nutrient enrichment, particularly phosphorus from municipal sewage treatment plants and other anthropogenic sources.

Fertiliser pollution has created a large dead zone in Green Bay, Lake Michigan, every year, according to the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Pesticides from surrounding cities' sewers and industrial plants also make their way into the lake, impacting the health of the lake's ecosystem.

To combat this issue, it is essential to reduce the amount of fertiliser and pesticide runoff that enters the lake. This can be achieved through improved wastewater treatment processes, stricter regulations on agricultural practices, and the implementation of buffer zones and natural filters such as wetlands to capture and treat runoff before it reaches the lake.

Additionally, individuals can play a role in reducing fertiliser and pesticide pollution by properly disposing of chemicals, using organic alternatives, and supporting sustainable farming practices. By working together, communities, governments, and individuals can help protect Lake Michigan and preserve its ecological integrity for future generations.

PFAS contamination

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination is a significant issue in Michigan and has been deemed the state's biggest environmental crisis in 40 years. PFAS are toxic "forever chemicals" that are extremely persistent in the environment due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. These chemicals have been linked to various adverse health effects, including cancer, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol, even at low levels.

One of the major centers of PFAS contamination in Michigan is Oscoda, near Lake Huron, where the contaminant emerged from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. The contamination has affected the ground and surface water in the surrounding community. Another critical site is in west Michigan, where more than 1,500 private wells in Kent County are contaminated with PFAS associated with Wolverine Worldwide's leather operations. Additionally, a paper mill's landfill in Parchment, Kalamazoo County, leached PFAS compounds into the community's drinking water supply.

The sources of PFAS contamination in Michigan and the Great Lakes are diverse and include industrial discharges, sewage treatment plants, and contaminated air and rainwater. The chemicals have been released into the environment through various products and applications, such as firefighting foam and stain-resistant coatings. With over 15,000 PFAS chemicals introduced into the marketplace, federal regulators and manufacturers must work together to prevent further contamination and protect public health and the environment.

Sewage treatment plants and industrial pollution

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes, which span over 500 miles and contain 84% of North America's surface freshwater. The lakes are a crucial source of drinking water and support fishing, tourism, transportation, and ecosystems. However, they face significant environmental challenges, including pollution from sewage treatment plants and industrial sources.

Sewage treatment plants have historically played a role in polluting Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes. In the decades leading up to the 1970s, municipal sewage treatment plants and other anthropogenic sources released high levels of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, into the lakes. This excessive nutrient enrichment, known as eutrophication, led to severe algal blooms in Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. The algae caused aesthetic issues, taste and odour problems, reduced oxygen levels, and resulted in fish die-offs. While Lake Erie was the most affected, the other Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan, also experienced similar issues due to sewage treatment plant discharges.

In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the presence of toxic "forever chemicals" in Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a type of toxic chemical that has been detected in the lakes, particularly in urban areas like Chicago. PFAS are used in various industries because of their ability to resist grease, heat, stains, and water. However, these chemicals are extremely persistent in the environment and can build up in human blood, causing cancer and other diseases. While rain and contaminated air are major sources of PFAS contamination in the lakes, discharges from sewage treatment plants also contribute to the problem.

Industrial pollution has also been a significant factor in the degradation of Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes. In the 1960s, heavy industrial activity along the shores of Lake Erie led to the dumping of chemical pollutants into the lake and its waterways. This resulted in the death of fish and contributed to the lake's severe pollution. While governmental actions and commissions have since aided in the cleanup and maintenance of the lakes, industrial pollution remains a concern. Today, industrial discharges continue to be a source of PFAS and other toxic chemical contamination in Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.

To address the issue of sewage treatment plants and industrial pollution in Lake Michigan, several measures can be taken:

• Improve sewage treatment processes: Implement uniform standards for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of on-site sewage treatment systems. This includes regular pumping and maintenance of septic systems to prevent backups and reduce the impact on water quality.
• Enhance industrial waste regulation: Strengthen regulations on industrial waste disposal and treatment to prevent the release of toxic chemicals into the lake and its surrounding waterways.
• Promote sustainable practices: Encourage industries to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce the use of harmful chemicals. Support the development and use of alternative, environmentally friendly substances.
• Collaboration between governments: Continue collaboration between governments, such as through organizations like the International Joint Commission (IJC), to address transboundary water issues and develop joint strategies for pollution reduction.

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