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Wetlands act as the biological "kidneys" of the landscape by filtering out any water that would otherwise directly run into a water system (Mitsch 1993, Mitsch and Gosselink 2000). The loss of wetlands can cause the change in water chemistry of major water systems that those wetlands would otherwise filter out. With increasing transmissions from cars, fertilizer and pesticide use, and animal grazing there are increasing number of pollutants entering our waterways. These pollutants are changing the natural balance of nutrients in our lotic systems and having long-term consequences on the function and community composition of those systems (Ribaudo et al. 2001).
One of the most well known cases of upstream water nutrient loading having a major effect on downstream water sources occurs in the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Nutrients from fertilizer used on farmland and large amount of sediment from erosion are being washed directly into streams and rivers. Without wetlands, which would filter out these components from the water, the nitrate, phosphorus, bacteria, and sediment carried by stream and river systems in the Midwest, run into the Mississippi River. These pollutants ultimately flow into the Gulf of Mexico, having drastic negative effects on the ecosystem, the principal effect being hypoxia (Rabalais et al. 1999, Moore et al. 2001).
When large amounts of limiting nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus leech out of soils and into water systems, the growth of primary producers, such as algae and phytoplankton, increases. This is due to an increased carrying capacity from the widespread availability of these limiting nutrients. In spring and summer months, when there are optimal amounts of sunlight, there is an explosion of growth and masses of algae and phytoplankton float on the surface of the water where the nutrients lie. The oxygen produced by these plants remains on the surface of the water. Eventually, the algae and phytoplankton fall to the benthic layer, where a layer of dead organic matter accumulates. Due to the tremendous quantity of this organic material, the decomposer bacteria population explodes. As the bacteria decompose the dead algae and phytoplankton, they use massive amounts of oxygen, often depleting the water of it to a point where nothing can live without severe stress or fatal effects. This is how hypoxia occurs. The technical definition of hypoxia is water with less than 2 milligrams per liter of dissolved oxygen. In the Gulf of Mexico, hypoxic conditions cover areas the size of Connecticut and make the water uninhabitable by any aerobic organism, not only affecting fisheries throughout the Southern United States, but also the entire Gulf of Mexico ecosystem (Rabalais et al. 1999). Had we not drained our wetlands on the banks of the Mississippi River, these effects could be significantly reduced, if not avoided.
Image of the extent of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico in 1999 (Rabalais et al. 1999).
Stream and river chemistry and morphology have been altered drastically as a result of wetland loss and visa versa. Rivers, streams, and wetlands work as integrated ecosystems to maintain stability and function. There are several types of wetlands, including riparian, fringe, and instream wetlands, all of which function to protect and provide nutrients to neighboring streams and rivers (Mitsch 1995, Mitsch and Gosselink 2000). Studies have shown that the effects of riparian zone loss are so great, that the morphology of even large rivers, such as the Mississippi River, can change drastically. Since 1780, 26 million acres of wetland have been drained and destroyed on the bank of the Mississippi, resulting in a loss of 25, 800,000 acres of water surface area that functioned as a hydrologic sink (Hey and Philippi 1995). Not only do pollutants not get filtered out because of the loss of these wetland sinks, the amount of water that moves into these systems is not regulated. Therefore, under heavy precipitation, such as the rains of 1993, it is not uncommon for the water velocity and stage of these lotic systems to greatly increase (Hey and Philippi 1995). The rapid water can lead to the widening of channels through erosion and, over long periods of time, the straightening of channels. These effects of wetland loss can also have a great impact on natural events, such as flooding, which occurs more frequently and has more severe consequences than it would if wetland riparian zones were intact (Mitsch 1993, Rabalais et al. 1999).
Wetland and forest riparian zones provide streams and rivers with organic material, such as leaves, that make up the waterway's greatest resource of nutrients (Mitsch 1993). Flora, macroinvertebrates, and vertebrates rely on the area around them for nutrients and food: the riparian area is a source of energy, like the sun, in the trophic cascade. Without riparian organic matter, these lotic ecosystems have no nutrients to support the diverse life that they host.
Wetland loss has been associated with the direct loss of species diversity due to destruction and lowered recruitment of infringing vegetation communities and displacement of fauna (Davis and Froend 1999). Biodiversity is important in an ecosystem in that it is the multitude of organisms in a system, each having their own role, that drive the ecological processes (Tilman 1999). The loss of wetlands may end with a loss of flora and fauna, which not only support human interests, but also contribute to the health of other ecosystems, such as streams and rivers (Mitsch and Gosselink 2000). The loss of flora is especially devastating in an ecosystem because primary producers, such as wetland plants, are the basis of any ecosystem. The effects of the loss or lowered recruitment of these plants ripples throughout the trophic ladder: fauna that depend on wetland plants as a source of food or shelter perish or migrate, resulting in the loss of fauna that are predaceous, and so on (David and Froend 1999).
What else can I help you with?
How does filling wetlands to build homes change that wetland ecosystem?
Filling wetlands to build homes can disrupt the natural hydrology, impacting water flow and nutrient cycling. This can lead to loss of habitat for wildlife, decreased water quality, and increased risk of flooding as wetlands provide important ecosystem services. Overall, filling wetlands can result in a loss of biodiversity and important environmental functions.
What natrul hazards happen in the wetlands?
Wetlands are susceptible to various natural hazards, including flooding, which can lead to waterlogging and habitat loss. They may also experience erosion, particularly during severe weather events like storms, which can degrade water quality and disrupt ecosystems. Additionally, wetlands can be impacted by droughts, which reduce water levels and affect the flora and fauna that depend on these habitats. Finally, the presence of disease-carrying organisms, such as mosquitoes, can increase during certain environmental conditions in wetlands.
How is the destruction of coastal wetlands harmful to Mississippi?
The destruction of coastal wetlands in Mississippi is harmful because wetlands act as a natural buffer against storm surges and flooding, helping to protect coastal communities from the impacts of extreme weather events. Additionally, wetlands provide important habitat for diverse plant and animal species, and their destruction can lead to loss of biodiversity. Wetlands also help improve water quality by filtering and purifying water as it flows through them, which can be negatively impacted when wetlands are destroyed.
What consequences might occur in area that loses most of its wetlands?
The loss of wetlands can lead to several significant consequences, including increased flooding risk due to reduced natural water absorption and stormwater management. Biodiversity may decline as many species rely on wetlands for habitat and food. Additionally, water quality can deteriorate, as wetlands play a crucial role in filtering pollutants and sediments from water. Lastly, there may be economic impacts, particularly in sectors like fishing and tourism, which depend on healthy wetland ecosystems.
How does the process of removing water affect the overall quality of the product?
The process of removing water can affect the overall quality of the product by concentrating flavors and nutrients, increasing shelf life, and improving texture. However, excessive removal of water can lead to a loss of freshness and potentially alter the taste and texture of the product.
Why should you restore the Louisiana wetlands?
Because if the wetlands of Louisiana is lost then there would be a loss of one of the largest wetlands in the USA. Seafood life, nurseries (Fresh water and Gulf fish, shrimp, and oysters to mention a few) will be lost. One third of the energy that is shipped to the USA is transported via these wetlands and loss of transportation would remove this energy from the USA.
What factors contribute to the loss of wetlands?
WHAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOSS OF WETLANDS? We humans pollute the air thus taking away habitats and life!
Can The effect of agriculture and industry can be more harmful with the further loss of wetlands?
Yes, the continued loss of wetlands can exacerbate the harmful effects of agriculture and industry. Wetlands act as natural buffers, filtering pollutants, regulating water flow, and providing critical habitats for diverse species. Their degradation can lead to increased runoff of fertilizers and chemicals into water bodies, resulting in pollution and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, the loss of these ecosystems can heighten the impacts of flooding and climate change, further stressing agricultural and industrial practices.
Does temperature affect heat loss in water?
Yes, it does.
When can erosion be harmful?
Erosion can be harmful when it leads to the loss of topsoil, which can degrade soil quality and affect agriculture productivity. It can also contribute to the degradation of ecosystems, such as coral reefs and wetlands, by disturbing habitats and leading to sedimentation. Additionally, erosion can result in land degradation, increased sedimentation in water bodies, and infrastructure damage.
How does the acidity of a lake affect human health and local economy?
If you're talking about the lake turning acid: Algae blooms, fish popultaions suffer, water quality decreases. Loss of fishing & bathing attractions can affect tourist trade. Water treatment expense can increase.
How does sediment loss affect land and soil quality?
Sediment loss can lead to decreased soil fertility as it carries away valuable nutrients. It can also result in soil erosion, compromising soil structure and ability to hold water, affecting plant growth. Additionally, sediment loss can contribute to water pollution and ecosystem degradation.
