Kiera Jefferson
Oklahoma's creeks are facing a growing threat from pollution, with only five bodies of water in the state deemed free of harmful pollution levels. The Illinois River, for example, is affected by nutrient pollution, which is one of the most challenging environmental issues in the country. This is caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to algal blooms and low oxygen levels. While agriculture and industrial activities are significant contributors, other sources include poultry farms, sediment runoff, and incorrect disposal of chemicals and oils. The state's waterways are also impacted by bacteria, including E. coli, and pathogens from feces, affecting both human health and the natural ecosystem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common pollutants | Bacteria (including E. coli), nitrogen, phosphorus, sediments, and excess nutrients |
| Source of pollutants | Animal waste, sewage, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, industrial discharges, car exhaust, car leaks, litter, and pharmaceuticals |
| Impact | Algal blooms, oxygen depletion, fish kills, foul-tasting and odorous water, decreased recreational value, and health risks |
| Efforts to reduce pollution | Public education, volunteer cleanups, proper chemical disposal, eco-friendly products, and maintenance of vehicles to prevent leaks |
| Organizations involved | EPA, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Nature Conservancy, Spring Creek Coalition, and Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission |
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What You'll Learn
Poultry farms and their waste management
Poultry farms generate two main types of waste: poultry litter and cage layer waste. Poultry litter consists of waste from deep litter systems, while cage layer waste includes excreta collected from under the cages, as well as spilled feed and feathers. The large volume of waste produced by the poultry sector needs to be managed responsibly to prevent adverse environmental impacts.
Improper poultry waste management can lead to the spreading of pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli, causing unknown fevers and infections. Additionally, the presence of antibiotics in the waste can contribute to the formation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a threat to human immunity. Decaying poultry waste also emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and ammonia, which react with other pollutants to impact both human health and the environment.
To address these issues, proper poultry waste management practices are essential. This includes adopting technologies like composting and anaerobic digestion to recycle waste, implementing nutrient management plans, and following strict biosecurity measures. Composting requires adequate aeration of fresh, wet manure to remove moisture and prevent odours. Bacterial action reduces the waste material's volume and can be spread on farmland during warm months.
Rendering is another method that converts poultry waste into high-protein sterilized meat meal while preventing environmental pollution by disposing of all biological waste. Dead birds can be stored under freezing conditions until they are rendered, which helps reduce pollution and improve farm conditions.
By implementing sustainable waste management practices, the poultry industry can reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to a more circular agricultural system.
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Nutrient pollution from excess nitrogen and phosphorus
Phosphorus is a plant nutrient essential for healthy crop growth, and its application in agriculture is common to correct soil deficiencies. However, excessive phosphorus can impair surface water quality, and it is often introduced into waterways through agricultural runoff and urban stormwater. In Oklahoma, point sources of phosphorus, such as municipal and industrial waste treatment plants, are regulated by federal and state laws, while nonpoint sources, including soil erosion, water runoff from cropland, and urban stormwater, are not directly regulated.
Nitrogen pollution is also a significant concern in Oklahoma's waterways. While nitrogen is naturally present in the air and water, human activities can contribute to excessive levels. Agricultural practices, such as the use of fertilizers and manure, can lead to nitrogen runoff into creeks and rivers. Additionally, nitrogen emissions from power plants and vehicle exhaust contribute to airborne nitrogen pollution, which can travel long distances and affect downstream water bodies.
The Illinois River, which flows through Oklahoma, has been impacted by nutrient pollution, with high levels of phosphorus caused by city and industrial discharges, as well as nonpoint source runoff. The downstream effects of this pollution include algal blooms and low dissolved oxygen concentrations in Tenkiller Ferry Lake, which the river feeds into.
To address nutrient pollution in Oklahoma's creeks and other water bodies, various measures have been proposed. These include implementing conservation practices on farms, such as nutrient management plans and buffer strips, upgrading stormwater systems and sewage treatment plants, proper waste management, and reducing fertilizer applications. Protecting and restoring natural filters, such as forests, wetlands, and underwater grasses, is also crucial for mitigating nutrient pollution.
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Sediment and soil runoff
According to Oklahoma State University, sediment (soil) runoff is the biggest source of pollution in Oklahoma creeks. Sediment can enter waterways through a variety of means, including erosion, animal waste, and overflowing sewers. Sediment can smother fish by clogging their gills, and it can also carry harmful substances such as fertilizers and pesticides into the water.
Sediment runoff is a significant issue in Oklahoma, and it is essential to address it to protect the state's waterways and the diverse organisms that depend on them. One example of a creek affected by sediment runoff is Spring Creek, which runs through the Cherokee Nation reservation in northeastern Oklahoma. The Spring Creek Coalition, a non-profit organization, has been working tirelessly to combat the effects of poultry waste and maintain the pristine condition of the creek. They have conducted water testing, cleaned up the creek, and educated the public about the importance of watershed health.
To mitigate the impacts of sediment and soil runoff, it is crucial to implement proper waste management practices, especially in agricultural and poultry farming operations. By preventing excess nutrients, pesticides, and fertilizers from entering waterways, we can help maintain the health and biodiversity of Oklahoma's creeks and rivers.
Overall, sediment and soil runoff is a significant contributor to pollution in Oklahoma's creeks, and it requires collective efforts to address this issue effectively. By raising awareness, implementing sustainable practices, and supporting organizations like the Spring Creek Coalition, we can work towards protecting and preserving the state's valuable water resources.
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Oil and automotive fluid leaks
Oklahoma's waterways are impaired by pollutants such as sediments, bacteria, and excess nutrients. While the most common type of pollutants in streams are bacteria, including E. coli and pathogens from feces, oil and automotive fluid leaks are also significant contributors to waterway pollution in Oklahoma.
To prevent oil and automotive fluid leaks from polluting Oklahoma's creeks, proper vehicle maintenance is crucial. Regular inspections and maintenance checks can help identify potential leaks and allow for timely repairs. Ensuring that vehicles are properly maintained and serviced can significantly reduce the risk of leaks. It is important for car owners to be mindful of any leaks and to take their vehicles for repairs as soon as leaks are detected.
In addition to regular maintenance, there are other ways to mitigate the impact of oil and automotive fluid leaks. Using eco-friendly products for vehicle maintenance and cleaning can reduce the environmental harm caused by these leaks. Proper disposal of automotive fluids is also essential. Instead of pouring used oil or fluids into drains or onto the ground, individuals should take them to designated recycling centers or collection points.
Public education and awareness play a vital role in preventing oil and automotive fluid leaks from reaching Oklahoma's creeks. Educating the public about the environmental impact of these leaks can encourage responsible behavior. Implementing volunteer programs and providing information on proper automotive fluid disposal methods can empower individuals to take action and protect their local waterways. By working together, communities can help keep their creeks clean and preserve the natural habitats that depend on them.
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Pesticides and fertilisers
Pesticides are designed to control, prevent, kill, or repel pests, and they can be made from natural ingredients or synthetic chemicals. All pesticides possess some level of toxicity, which varies depending on the organism exposed. For instance, certain pesticides may exhibit low toxicity to humans and other mammals, yet prove highly toxic to fish, bees, and birds. In Oklahoma, elevated levels of pesticides such as DDT and toxaphene have been detected in Bitter Creek in Jackson County. These pesticides, though no longer in use since the early 1980s, persist in the sediments and fish of streams, posing an elevated cancer risk to individuals who regularly consume the fish.
Fertilisers can also contribute to water pollution. Overfertilisation can lead to leaf burn, decreased production, and plant death. When excess fertiliser enters waterways, it degrades water quality, making water unsafe for recreational activities and drinking. Fertiliser pollution can create "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive.
The impact of pesticides and fertilisers on aquatic ecosystems is significant. These chemicals can be deadly to aquatic organisms, particularly small aquatic invertebrates, which play a crucial role in the food chain. When these invertebrates are killed by pesticide and fertiliser runoff, it disrupts the entire aquatic food chain. Additionally, excess nutrients from fertilisers, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause excessive algae growth, leading to swimming, fishing, and recreational closures.
To address this issue, proper disposal of chemicals is essential. Individuals should refrain from pouring chemicals, pharmaceuticals, oil, or paint into drains or toilets. Additionally, conserving water, reducing car usage, and fixing leaks can help mitigate the pollution caused by pesticides and fertilisers in Oklahoma's creeks and other water bodies. Reports indicate that most of Oklahoma's bodies of water are polluted, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several sources of pollution in Oklahoma creeks. Sediment is the number one problem, with soil running off into creeks and streets. Other sources include nonpoint source pollution, such as pesticides, fertilizers, and bacteria from animal and human waste. Oklahoma's industrial activity also contributes to pollution, with oil and gas companies and refineries located near waterways.
Pollution has degraded Oklahoma's waterways, making them unsuitable for drinking, swimming, or fishing. Sediment can clog the gills of fish, causing them to suffocate, and high levels of bacteria, such as E. coli, can be harmful to human health.
Various efforts are being made to address pollution in Oklahoma's creeks. The Spring Creek Coalition, for example, is a non-profit organization working to keep Spring Creek pristine through clean-up events, education, and legal action against the state of Oklahoma. The Nature Conservancy has also identified five watersheds in Oklahoma as being in the highest need of conservation.
Individuals can take several measures to reduce pollution in Oklahoma's creeks, including conserving water, driving less, and properly disposing of chemicals. Maintaining their vehicles to prevent leaks and participating in volunteer clean-up events are also recommended. Supporting organizations working to protect Oklahoma's waterways are also ways to make a positive impact.
According to a report by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, only five bodies of water in the state were found to be free of harmful levels of pollution. These include Spring Creek, Fourteen Mile Creek, Saline Creek, Five Mile Creek, and East Fork Creek. However, it's important to note that most of the state's waterways are not monitored for quality, and the report's findings may not reflect the true extent of pollution in Oklahoma's waterways.
