Katelyn Norris – Undergraduate - Geography
Polluting the “Well of the Earth”: Water Quality and Interconnected Issues at Lake Baikal
As the deepest lake in the world, Lake Baikal is considered one of the seven wonders of Russia, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though despite these titles and its fame, Lake Baikal has been experiencing unprecedented levels of water pollution. This pollution is concerning environmentally and culturally, both in response to booming tourism and development in this area, as well as its historic industrial character. Pollution of this lake has been seen to proportionally displace and threaten the many endemic species of Lake Baikal, such as the Baikal Seal species which contribute to its unique character. As the preservation of this region is important to environmentalists and lifeways of the Buryat populations which are indigenous to the lake, a reluctancy to land protection and preservation is seen in the Russian government’s approach to environmental policy. This paper will analyze a variety of research of this region both on the impacted water quality along the shorelines and deltas of the area as well as sociopolitical forces in Russian policy concerning the development of Lake Baikal. The implications of the future preservation of Lake Baikal and response to tourism booms are significant in its longevity as a global marvel as well as the overall global sentiments towards environmental conservation, reflecting upon this spotlighted issue. 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.
Lauren Chetley – Undergraduate - Environmental Science and Natural Resource Mgmt
Microplastic Contamination in the Danube River
Microplastic (MP) pollution in the Danube River, which flows from Central and Eastern Europe, has grown increasingly large over recent decades. MPs are the remains of smaller plastic particles and are usually sourced from anthropogenic litter resulting in harmful toxic pollutants and significantly impacting aquatic ecosystems. Recent studies have shown increased MP concentration levels across marine environments along the Danube River. The Danube River flows from the Black Forest (central Europe) south into the Black Sea (eastern Europe), making it the second-longest river in Europe. An increase in MP contamination produces harmful impacts on aquatic species and users of the Danube River. A specific case study identifies MP contamination in the Danube River and its freshwater macroinvertebrates impacts. Three benthic Danube River macroinvertebrates were used to quantify the presence of MPs by a hand net or dredge technique. The study utilized wet body mass, body mass, and total length of the species to estimate MP particles and found the species all had a presence of MPs. Ingestion and accumulation of MPs on aquatic organisms leads to chemical, mechanical, and physical challenges. Possessing developmental issues within organisms leads to greater complications like habitat disruption and reduced reproduction and growth. The Danube River ecosystem is important to maintain due to the large presence of biodiversity, many ecosystem services, and indication for water and habitat quality. Various mitigation efforts towards reducing MPs include promoting more plastic-free personal hygienic products, reusable everyday products like water bottles and straws, and the use of biodegradable plastics.
Austin Leverenz – Undergraduate - Atmospheric Science
Ecological and Socioeconomic Impacts of Plastic Pollution in the Seine
Studies on the influence of microplastics in freshwater systems are sparse, with their impacts typically not fully realized by the general public. Pollution of the Seine via plastics influences many facets of the environment and the economy of the area such as decreases in tourism, trade, and biodiversity. The Seine is a critical part of the French economy and ecology, spanning 750km from the east to the northwest of France. Its importance as a means of trade and transportation from the English Channel through to Paris and much of France cannot be understated. It is subject to the activities and pollution of several major cities, including Paris, meaning millions of French citizens depend upon the river as a means of economic and hydrological stability. This paper will evaluate plastic pollution in the Seine by comparing concentrations of different sized plastics in the river in a period from 2018-2024 and studying their impact on the ecosystem. Alongside this, government actions and policies will be studied to analyze their effect on the river’s ecosystem. The impact of education and policy on the wellbeing of the Seine and the people that inhabit it will be highlighted by this examination of the relationship between the citizens, the government, and the river.
Natalie Liggett – Undergraduate - Environmental Science
European Eels, Seeing Human Relationships with Water
This paper examines the fragmentation of the Sélune River in Normandy, France, and its consequences on the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) population. The river's natural flow was significantly altered by the construction of two large hydroelectric dams, Vezins and La Roche Qui Boit, which were built to generate renewable energy for the surrounding regions. Since the completion of the dams in 1924, French authorities implemented measures to safeguard fish passages, although these efforts were insufficient in mitigating the broader ecological disruptions caused by the dams. The dams obstructed essential migratory routes and degraded water quality, severely impacting local ecosystems. Over time, researchers identified that European eels were particularly affected, with alterations in their life-history traits linked to habitat fragmentation. This ecological issue garnered attention from the European Union's Water Framework Directive, which influenced the decision to dismantle the dams. The removal of the Vezins and La Roche Qui Boit Dams marks a pivotal change in European river management, prioritizing the restoration of natural river systems and biodiversity over the construction of new hydropower infrastructure. This decision reflects a broader transformation in water governance, emphasizing ecological restoration and the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.
Jordan Rockstrom- Undergraduate - Geography
Dublin, Ireland: Water Supply Issues in Northwestern Europe
Dublin is the most populous city and capital of Ireland with a rich history. Dublin is located on the east coast of Ireland in northwestern Europe. The city is expecting an increase in growth over the next few decades and has high water use of 150 liters per person, per day. While this water use is in line with the European average of 144 liters per day, it is high compared to Slovakia with a usage rate of 78 liters per person per day. With aging water infrastructure such as treatment plants and pipes, along with inadequate catchment resources. This growth is coming to a city that has a water system that relies on rain, has rather substantial leakage issues, and has very little spare capacity. Given these issues, an extended drought or sudden increase in urban water use could leave the city without water. Actions are being taken by the government to curb the danger and fix the city’s water supply through the creation of a water authority along with infrastructure upgrades. I will examine the history of the water system and its modern iteration. I will also examine the actions being undertaken by the government to improve the city’s water situation.
Avery Spry - Undergraduate - Journalism
Social Impacts of Freshwater Pollution in Paris, France
This paper will evaluate how the communities in Paris, France are being socially impacted by the pollution of drinking water. Additionally, the research will address different ways that improved water governance could affect the hydrological cycle in Paris. Much of the drinking water in Paris is polluted by things like trash and chemicals, which is hazardous for the people who live there. Additionally, different communities are being affected at different severities based on financial assets, race, location, and other reasons. Not having clean drinking water can be very detrimental to the communities and lead to much suffering. One example of a polluted body of freshwater would be the Seine River, which has been extremely polluted for years, but recently concern for the water quality has increased and many efforts have been made to improve its water quality. The Paris Olympics were instrumental in this movement, because of the publicity that was brought to the cleanliness of the Seine River and other freshwater bodies near Paris. New technologies and techniques are constantly being discovered to attack this water pollution, so there is lots that can still be done to improve water quality for the city of Paris. This paper will also address numerous ways in which pollution can be lessened including environmental and governmental changes.
Aanakin Tuncer - Undergraduate - Environmental Science
Algal Blooms and Pollution of Lake Balaton and the Impacts Climate Change and Mismanagement
Lake Balaton is a large lake located in Hungary and has been experiencing algal blooms and eutrophication since the 1970’s. The cause of this stems from excess nutrient and nitrogen deposits into the lake, causing cyanobacteria to accumulate. Nutrient content that enters the lake comes from sediment and runoff from various sources including agricultural and urban wastes. Climate change is impacting the rate in which the lake is experiencing ecosystem and economic instability caused by eutrophication. The main source of income for Lake Balaton is tourism and fishing industries, serving as a socio-economic reliance for Hungarians. Oligotrophication is also an issue that occurred in previous years, specifically from 2001-2017, resulting in a decrease in phytoplankton biomass, altering the food web. This harms fish populations in the lake and can impact the economic state of the surrounding settlements. The Kis-Balaton Water Protection System was created to monitor and address ecological sustainability and integrate environmental protections but has had complications with mismanagement. Lake Balaton has executed different protection efforts, but the challenges still exist. The environmental management efforts prioritized water quantity rather than quality leading to hydrosocial implications such as local health concerns. This paper examines the different mitigation strategies that have and can be done to improve water quality and human-water relationships. The reliance on infrastructure reveals political and social dependencies on water governance and sustainability solutions.