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. The compound phosphorous naturally occurs in low levels in the Everglades. The runoff from agricultural phosphorous and other fertilizers cause an overabundance of the nutrients in the soil. This leads to and on overgrowth of some plant species that creates an imbalance in the natural habitat. The practice of using dams and canals to divert water from its natural course is directly related to the pollution and habitat loss of the Everglades.
The biomagnification of toxins occurs when human, agricultural, or industrial wastes are introduces into bodies of water such as oceans, lakes, and streams. As a particular toxin moves up the food chain, the substance increases in concentration. This phenomenon is occurring within the ecosystem of the Everglades. According to the Everglades Foundation (2013), “The sulfur in this agricultural fertilizer, through a complex series of biological and chemical processes, leads to accumulations of toxic mercury in fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals, even in the endangered Florida panther” (para. 7). Because humans are at the top of the food chain, they are potentially eating the highest concentration of toxins. Many humans are unaware of the existence of the biomagnification of toxins or what constitutes a poisonous level.
Another hazard caused by humans in the Everglades is the introduction of exotic plant and animal species into ecosystem. Because of the introduction of non-native plant and animal species such as the Burmese python and Australian pine, native species have become displaced. The Burmese python have no natural predators in the Everglades, so their population continues to multiply. Burmese pythons are known to eat most mammals and birds native to the Everglades. Because Burmese pythons are in direct competition with native predators for the food supply, they affect the stability of the ecosystem. Similarly, Australian pine encroaches on the habitat of native plants, trees, and wildlife. According to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (2013), “Australian pine tree's dense shallow root system interferes with the ability of the endangered American crocodiles and sea turtles to construct coastal nests” (para. 8). Australian pine are also hazardous for the Everglades’ ecosystem because their shallow root systems make them susceptible to toppling over in moderately windy conditions. For this reason, Australian pine is not ideal for an environment prone to hurricanes.

References
Everglades. (2013). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/197196/Everglades
Everglades Foundation. (2013). Threats to the Ecosystem. Retrieved from http://www.evergladesfoundation.org/the-everglades/threats-to-the-ecosystem/
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (2013). Retrieved from http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/invasive-plants/weed-alerts/australian-pine/