Population and Pollution
Ecosystem Population and Pollution
Rachael
BIO/101
September 10, 2013

Ecosystem Population and Pollution
Although much of the Everglades is a protected national park, this has not been always the case. Hazards caused by humans in the Everglades are historical as well as an ongoing issue for its varied and fragile ecosystem. Several of the hazards that affect the stability of the Everglades’ ecosystem are environmental pollution, extracted resources, habitat loss and destruction, and the biomagnification of toxins. Because the Everglades is predominantly a marsh, these wetlands are an enormous resource of fresh water. For nearly 200 years, humans have been extracting fresh water from the Everglades for consumption and agriculture. The irrigation of commodities such as oranges and sugar cane can account for pollutants. Habitat destruction and loss can be attributed to the introduction of non-native species as well as the agricultural practices of humans. In addition, biomangnification increases the prevalence of toxins throughout the food chain that can affect the stability of the Everglades’ ecosystem.
Fresh water is the foremost extracted resource from the Everglades. South Florida’s human population growth is putting pressure on the Everglades to serve its increasing demands for fresh water. Building dams and digging canals for agriculture and homes are a hazard to the stability of the ecosystem. A great deal canals have been built, so the natural flow of water is interrupted. “These changes in the natural water flow as well as runoff from farmland brought about radical alterations in the natural habitat, producing toxic algae, killing sea-grass beds, creating high levels of organic mercury, and flooding seasonal wildlife feeding and nesting sites” (“Everglades,” 2013). Fertilizers used in agriculture are extremely damaging.