Anthony Carpene– Undergraduate– Restoration and Conservation
Monitoring and Managing Degraded Water Quality and Algae Blooms in Lake Balaton, Hungary
Lake Balaton, located in Western Hungary, is the largest shallow freshwater lake in Central Europe, containing approximately 1.8 billion m3 of water. One of the main inputs is the Zala River, which supplies approximately 50% of total water of the lake. It is estimated that 35% to 40% of the nutrient input of the lake comes from sediments in the Zala River, in particular calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and bicarbonate (HCO3). As the summer water temperatures increase in Lake Balaton, primarily due to climate change, more nutrients are being released from sediments. Warmer water, along with the increased nutrients, abundant light, and stable wind conditions, are the combination of environmental conditions needed for abundant algal growth in the lake. One approach to address this has been the introduction of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis), common fish in the large rivers and lakes of eastern Asia. These filter-feeding fish are intended to eat the algae to decrease algal blooms in Lake Balaton. Dreissenids, also play a key role in the food web of Lake Balaton by filtering planktonic algae and bacteria and serving as an important food source for fish and birds.
In this paper, I examine the factors contributing to water quality degradation and algae blooms in Lake Balaton, Hungary as well as some steps that have been taken to address this problem.
Lake Balaton, located in Western Hungary, is the largest shallow freshwater lake in Central Europe, containing approximately 1.8 billion m3 of water. One of the main inputs is the Zala River, which supplies approximately 50% of total water of the lake. It is estimated that 35% to 40% of the nutrient input of the lake comes from sediments in the Zala River, in particular calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and bicarbonate (HCO3). As the summer water temperatures increase in Lake Balaton, primarily due to climate change, more nutrients are being released from sediments. Warmer water, along with the increased nutrients, abundant light, and stable wind conditions, are the combination of environmental conditions needed for abundant algal growth in the lake. One approach to address this has been the introduction of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (H. nobilis), common fish in the large rivers and lakes of eastern Asia. These filter-feeding fish are intended to eat the algae to decrease algal blooms in Lake Balaton. Dreissenids, also play a key role in the food web of Lake Balaton by filtering planktonic algae and bacteria and serving as an important food source for fish and birds.
In this paper, I examine the factors contributing to water quality degradation and algae blooms in Lake Balaton, Hungary as well as some steps that have been taken to address this problem.
Melissa Lackore – Undergraduate – Rangeland Ecology and Management
Impact of Pollution from the Leather Tanning Industry on Surface Water and Groundwater in India
Leather hide tanning ranks as one of India’s top ten export industries, employing over three million people. This paper examines the effects of contamination on surface and ground water from leather tanneries; how water pollution affects humans’ drinking water and agricultural water supply, and potential ways to alleviate this situation. Tanning and finishing of leather is a laborious process that requires several steps of chemical treatment of the hide as well as water to cleanse the leather. A popular methodology of tanning, aptly named “chrome tanning,” involves the use of dichromate, sodium chromate or chromium sulphate. Improper disposal of these chromium substances after tanning has led to water contamination near these tanning facilities, primarily in southern India and the river basin of Ganges. The migration of chromium and other by-products of the tanning process in water supplies has resulted in water that is unsafe for human consumption, both directly and when used in agriculture. By adopting the use of safer chemicals for tanning, as well as increasing the efficiency of the plants themselves, the contamination of water in areas associated with tanning facilities may be notably reduced.
Matthew Medina – Undergraduate - Environmental Science
The Impacts of Urban Water Pollution in the Ganges River
The Ganges River in India is considered a holy place in Hindu culture. Many believe that it is the physical form of Goddess Ganges herself, yet it is also considered one of the most polluted waterways in the world. Everyday it is estimated 3 million liters of sewage are dumped upon this 1,560 mile waterway. Much of the pollution comes from the tanneries, textile mills, and chemical plants along the waterways. Along with these sources, many individuals bathe in and deposit their dead in this river leading to more water contamination, but simultaneously exposing people who are in contact with the river to potential risks.[KB1] [KB2] The Ganges River has great importance to the national culture, religiously, socially, and environmentally, so high levels of water pollution also pose a large impact for this nation and culture. This paper examines sources of pollution for the Ganges River, as well as considers the approaches that have been implemented to mitigate pollution levels.
Savannah Williams– Undergraduate - Environmental Science
The Impacts Microplastic Pollution has on Water Quality and Other Impacts within European River Systems
More plastic is being used than ever; with this comes concerns about what happens when these plastics break down into microplastics and get into river systems. These plastics break down as a result of erosion and weathering processes and some plastics may already be small in size. The specific type of plastics being found in rivers include microplastic fibers, polyester, and polyethylene. This is an emerging problem occurring in European nations. For example, in the United Kingdom, the microplastic issue is rising fast as water treatment plants are not designed to catch small plastic particles. There is also evidence of microplastics emerging in large quantities in the Baltic Sea and other regional seas that are sinks for rivers in Europe. The Rhine River is one of the largest rivers in Europe and is reporting an abundant amount of microplastics. These microplastics are largely from anthropogenic activities that increase plastic production. Microplastics can impact human health, aquatic health, and water quality. Aquatic health is greatly impacted by consequences for survival, fitness, and reproduction of fish and aquatic species. Human health is at great risk, especially with these plastics being found in water resources that large populations use across Europe. Water quality is at risk due to the lack of water treatment plant’s ability to capture and identify these microplastics. In this paper, I analyze how these microplastics form, the direct impacts of microplastics in European river systems and explore possible solutions.
