Eutrophication problem in the Future Society

Answer

Eutrophication problem in the Future Society

           The environment is one of the key aspects and enables human survival and existence in the world. The future generation and society should be concerned about environmental degradation as the main future problem. The environment has become be the source and the main habitat of various living things, hence making it a major concern. Notably, humans' presence, including their activities, has led to a considerable effect on water and the environment. One of the main effects of human activities on water bodies includes eutrophication. This essay, therefore, identifies and pinpoints eutrophication as one of the main problems that the future society will face. Additionally, it describes and analyzes this problem by its major causes and effects on the environment and humans. Moreover, it provides various interventions and involvements in an attempt to respond to it based on history.   

           Eutrophication is one of the environmental concerns and the biggest problem in society. It enriches the water bodies, including lakes, rivers, ponds, dams, and even oceans. Typically, the enrichment results from nutrient sedimentation in the riverbed or the base of a waterbody. Resultantly, the affected waterbody is vulnerable and susceptible to the growth of various water plants. Consequently, the growth of the water plants interferes with other plants and animals' aquatic life, such as fish. More importantly, it affects humans' livelihoods since waterbodies are sources of food - some fish species are consumed by humans. Moreover, waterbodies are sources of other sectors of the economy, including wildlife and employment.  

           Causes of Eutrophication

           One of the main causes of eutrophication is the increased use of agricultural fertilizers. Agriculture is a key human activity and one of the main economic activities in most countries in the world since it is the major source of food. Consequently, the production of quality agricultural produce requires the use of fertilizers. These fertilizers contain certain chemical like nitrates and phosphates that facilitates the growth of various plants (Rinkesh, 2020). Typically, the use of the fertilizers may be in excess or accumulate in the source above the required quantities. Subsequently, during heavy rains, the chemicals are carried away by surface water to a waterbody. They are then deposited at the base hence facilitating the overgrowth of various aquatic plants due to an increased rate of photosynthesis under the water. 

           Uninterrupted discharge of sewage and industrial waste products into the water bodies is another main cause of eutrophication. A large proportion of the world is underdeveloped, therefore the inability to treat sewage water. Consequently, developing discharge their sewage water directly into water bodies such as rivers and lakes (Rinkesh, 2020). Additionally, development countries usually treat their sewage discharges before disposal. However, the treatment process may be unable to filter. Some chemical and other industries which may illegally and intentionally omit the treatment of the sewage may lead to its discharge into water bodies. Consequently, these lead to chemicals – nutrients being deposited into the water bodies and facilitates the growth of algae.    

           Another cause of eutrophication is the aquaculture. Aquaculture is used for breeding fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants within the water bodies (Rinkesh, 2020). Usually, such practices involve a lot of chemical usage. Notably, it has become a new way of breeding fish for consumption and commercial purposes. As a result, the chemicals – nutrients – significantly facilitates the growth of other aquatic organisms, including plants. Therefore, it largely contributes to the main cause of eutrophication, especially in developed countries.  

           Effects of Eutrophication 

           One of the main effects of eutrophication is that it poses several threats to the survival of fish and other aquatic animals due to algae blooms. Usually, algae bloom is a result of increased deposit and accumulation of nutrients at the base of a waterbody. Consequently, it leads to an explosive growth of phytoplankton and other aquatic plants that survive on photosynthesis (Dorgham, 2014). Subsequently, algae blooms lead to a limited amount of dissolved oxygen in the affected waterbodies. Typically, oxygen is required for the flourishment of the aquatic animals, including fish. Therefore, this effect becomes a significant future problem in society due to the reduced supply of fish and aquatic produces of economic importance. 

           An increase in unwanted and poisonous substances the water bodies is another significant effect of eutrophication that makes it a problem in the future society. As a result of eutrophication, there is an increase in the amount of phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, fungi, and other fragments that interferes with the turbidity and coloration of the water. Consequently, this deteriorates the quality of water inadequate access to drinking water (Rinkesh, 2020). More specifically, this is caused by the pollution of drinking water due to anaerobic conditions that promote the o pathogenic bacteria and other pathogens. Additionally, the chemicals deposited from the industries leads to corrosion of the water conduits. These toxics deposits in the water hence limit the availability of the drinking water in the future. Subsequently, it poisonously impacts human health. 

           Another considerable effect of eutrophication is the destruction of recreational opportunities. Eutrophication leads to algae bloom and other aquatic plants that grow and extensively cover the water surfaces. Consequently, it significantly reduces the navigability and transparency of the waterbodies. Therefore, it interferes with the recreational opportunities in the affected waterbodies.

           Intervention to Reduce Eutrophication 

           One of the attempts to respond to eutrophication is through composting. Composting is the conversion of organic matter, which includes food residue, decaying vegetation into composed mature. Historical data shows that since back in the year 1800, the concentration of the nutrients has been the main cause of eutrophication. These nutrients can be reduced when the wastes are converted into composted manure with fewer concentration nitrates and phosphorus. 

           Another response that may attempt to respond to eutrophication is the intervention to reduce the level of pollution. This can be adopted by be companies by ensuring that they reduce and desist from releasing untreated waste products into the water bodies to reduce the number of toxins being discharged. Additionally, in developing countries, policies, and laws concerning the treatment of wastewater was passed. Therefore, the response would be ensuring that such laws are implemented.

           Additionally, strengthening the laws and regulations against the non-point solution is another key response to thwart future problems of eutrophication. The signed law in 1979 was to limit the rate of discharging wastewater in the mainstream of water (ETC/ICM Technical Report – 2/2016, 2016). Consequently, according to EPA presents various considerable challenges in the management of nutrient entry systems. It was to control the nutrient sources. Subsequently, the minimization of the non-point pollution lessens the quantity of the nutrients being discharged into the water bodies or streams. Moreover, the law should henceforth focus on improving the standard of the quality of the water. Furthermore, it should also stop tolerating non-point solutions. Therefore, the response in an attempt to react to eutrophication should aim to mobilize legislators, citizens, pollution regulatory authorities, and the government. It ensures easy control of eutrophication.

           In conclusion, the presence of humans, including their activities, has led to a considerable effect on the water an environment, such as eutrophication. Eutrophication is the enrichment of the water bodies, including lakes, rivers, ponds, dams, and even oceans. Notably, it is one of the biggest historical environmental problems that the world is going to face in future societies due to increased industrialization, which leads to the production of more chemicals and the release of more waste products into water bodies. It is caused by increased use of agricultural fertilizers, Uninterrupted discharge of sewage and industrial waste products into the water bodies, and aquaculture. Consequently, its effects include several threats to the survival of fish and other aquatic animals, an increase in unwanted and poisonous substances the water bodies, and destruction of recreational opportunities. However, such causes and the effects can be responded to prevent a severe problem in future societies. These responses include embracing composting, reduce the level of pollution, and focusing on law implementation.