The Laurentian Great Lakes

Introduction

The Laurentian Great Lakes are one of the largest sources of fresh-water in the world, but have been a continued receptacle of human pollution for many decades. Theories on how best to combat and prevent pollution have been offered, but adequate monitoring and execution of proposed theories is hard to obtain. Canada and the United States have been committed in a joint effort to improve the water quality of the Great Lakes for many years. In 1972 they both signed the 'Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement' (GLWQA) in which both parties promised to “restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin.” (GAO 2004) Lack of funding and inconsistent monitoring have been a hindrance for the two governments, but private funded groups have helped by going out in the field themselves.

Many people utilize the lakes for business (e.g. fisheries, municipal drinking water) and for pleasure (e.g. beaches, boating, skiing, etc). Contaminants in the water affect the native marine life and can harm visitors and consumers of the lakes. The lakes have been greatly affected by pollution, causing a dead zone in Lake Erie. Bacteria has been found in the lakes that can cause sickness in humans. Ballast water from incoming cargo ships have also brought in non-native organisms. Run-off from nearby agriculture, industrial and urban areas have detrimental effects on the marine life and can also cause human sickness.

The fight for the Laurentian Great Lakes survival is an ongoing battle that will hopefully prove successful. Continued awareness and support for the revival effort is essential in obtaining a safe, clean environment for humans and animals alike.

Sewage Pollution

Escherichia coli (E. coli) ...

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... process, wastewater treatment), potassium chloride (potash fertilizer), and calcium chloride (snow and ice control).” Quickly growing levels of these ions are continually stressing species within the Great Lakes. Without drastic intervention for reduction of pollution and reversal of contaminant levels, the Great Lakes may eventually become inhabitable to many species, except for maybe some extremophiles. (Chapra)

Lake Michigan, near Chicago, was the site of an oil spill on March 25, 2014. Up to 18 barrels, 756 gallons, of crude oil were spilled into the lake by British Petroleum (BP). Water and beach cleanup took a few days, but it could have been worse. The threat of random plant failures constantly keep the Great Lakes in danger of oil contamination. Current contracts already allow BP to discharge a limited amount of ammonia byproduct into the lakes. (Callahan)