Water is one of our most precious resources. About 75% of our bodies are made up of water, as well as two-thirds of our planet. 2.5% of Earth's water is freshwater, water that we drink. However, humans are constantly damaging the environment as well as our water.
About Water Pollution
Water pollution is the cause of many problems around the world. When water is polluted, it not only affects the plants and animals in the vicinity, but eventually affects humans. It is almost like a chain reaction. Once the water is polluted both the marine animals and plant life are harmed. Terrestrial animals that feed off of aquatic, or semi-aquatic, wildlife would also intake the pollutant. Many plants and animals could die as a result. If we humans decided to consume the fish, we would intake the pollutant ourselves. This ingestion of harmful substances is hazardous to many living beings. More and more freshwater bodies of water, like lakes, are being polluted with chemicals, metals, plastics, and more!
One of the lakes in Lakeland, Florida has been polluted with lead ever since the 1950s. The lake is named Lake Wire and it is located next to Lawton Chiles Middle Academy. The pollution of this lake happened because of humans. There was a tile manufacturing plant, one of the biggest back then, that polluted Lake Wire with many different metals- particularly lead. Florida Tile used metals in the process of making their ceramic tiles. This would not have been a huge problem, but Florida Tile discharged their processed water directly into Lake Wire from 1954 to 1974. Even to this day, lead still remains in Lake Wire.
A plausible solution to this problem is the use of phytoremediation. Phytoremediation is the process that allows plants to absorb pollutants from water or soil. Certain plants, called hyperaccumulators, use phytoremediation to absorb high levels of pollutants without becoming poisoned. By planting water hyssop, a hyperaccumulator that absorbs lead, we will be able to safely remove the lead from Lake Wire.
Click the button to view a full list of hyperaccumulators, and the type of pollutant they clean.
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*Keep in mind that not all hyperaccumulators are native plants. If you are planning to plant some, double check!
Useful Downloads
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This is a document containing informational reports on the lakes in Lakeland. There is a lot of useful information in this document, such as maps, pollution levels, and surface areas of the various lakes.
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This is an informational brochure that lists the proper ways to discharge your pool and spa water. Improper discharge of spa and pool water can pollute the lakes around Lakeland.
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This document is a list of various resources on lakes, storm water, wildlife, and more. Some lead to organization websites while others are strictly informational.
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