These pictures were taken 19 July 2007 in the Maria slough on Seabird Island. Test results prove that this build up is algae high in coliform. Read on to learn about what this does to waterways.
Fecal coliform is generally used as a water quality measure of bacterial contamination. Coliform is a group of bacteria that, while generally harmless, does have strains such as E. coli (Escherichia coli) that can be harmful. E. coli can cause intestinal disorders, as well as other diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. Another organism found in manure is Cryptosporidium, a single-celled parasite that causes diarrhea and stomach cramps when ingested. Cryptosporidium was responsible for an outbreak in Milwaukee's drinking water system in 1993.
Direct access of livestock to streams and ponds can also be a problem if the streambank is not well vegetated. Not only do cattle and hogs "direct deposit" manure into the water, they can also overgraze and trample streambanks, leading to erosion problems. Trampled banks also damage fish habitat, destroying overhangs used for shelter and compacting stream bottoms that are used for spawning and feeding.
An important characteristic of phosphorus that has significant implications for water quality is its tendency to bind to soil particles. Because of this, when phosphorus is applied to fields it stays relatively immobilized and stable on land as long as the soil remains intact. However, when land suffers from erosion, soil is washed into waterways and the phosphorus attached to it is then released into the water. Once phosphorus enters the water, the algae bloom cycle begins. Because of this process, erosion and runoff are key issues that need to be addressed for good phosphorus management.
How can Bacteria and Pathogens from Manure make Water Unsafe?
Manure can contain bacteria and other organisms that can be harmful to humans if they get into our waterways or groundwater. Pathogens can become a problem when manure runs off into lakes where people swim or have other direct bodily contact with the water. If a person or animal swallows water from a contaminated source, illness can result. Contamination can also be a concern in drinking water. Generally, municipal drinking water treatment plants do a good job of sanitizing community water supplies, so municipal drinking water supplies are rarely contaminated from manure. However, private wells can become contaminated by pathogens from manure.
Fecal coliform is generally used as a water quality measure of bacterial contamination. Coliform is a group of bacteria that, while generally harmless, does have strains such as E. coli (Escherichia coli) that can be harmful. E. coli can cause intestinal disorders, as well as other diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever. Another organism found in manure is Cryptosporidium, a single-celled parasite that causes diarrhea and stomach cramps when ingested. Cryptosporidium was responsible for an outbreak in Milwaukee's drinking water system in 1993.
How does Manure in Water Lead to Algae Booms and Kills Fish?
Direct runoff of manure from fields or manure storage facilities that have been inadequately constructed or maintained are important management concerns. If a rain occurs after manure is spread on crop or hay fields, the phosphorus may run off into nearby waterways instead of sinking into the ground. This is especially problematic during the spring, when manure spread over the winter is washed away by the spring snowmelt. Since this manure is delivered directly into waterways, this can be a major contributor of phosphorus to the streams and lakes. Likewise, manure storage facilities need to be structurally sound and have enough capacity to handle the manure generated at the farm, to avoid leaks or overtopping.
As algae blooms grow, the mats that cover the water's surface block out sunlight from the larger plants below. These larger aquatic plants are essential for fish habitat, but can't survive without sunlight and start to die off. Before long, the short-lived algae also start to die, and large masses of dead algae and plant matter begin to decay. As a part of this decomposition process, bacteria are produced that use up oxygen from the water. This has major impacts. Since fish and aquatic insects need the oxygen that is dissolved in water to live, when that oxygen is used up by decaying algae massive fish kills can result, damaging fish populations. All of this decaying material has another unpleasant side effect, too-the odor of rotting algae and fish! All of these effects can turn your favorite stream or swimming hole into a stinking, green mess.
As algae blooms grow, the mats that cover the water's surface block out sunlight from the larger plants below. These larger aquatic plants are essential for fish habitat, but can't survive without sunlight and start to die off. Before long, the short-lived algae also start to die, and large masses of dead algae and plant matter begin to decay. As a part of this decomposition process, bacteria are produced that use up oxygen from the water. This has major impacts. Since fish and aquatic insects need the oxygen that is dissolved in water to live, when that oxygen is used up by decaying algae massive fish kills can result, damaging fish populations. All of this decaying material has another unpleasant side effect, too-the odor of rotting algae and fish! All of these effects can turn your favorite stream or swimming hole into a stinking, green mess.
How does Phospherous from Manure Affect Water Quality?
Direct runoff of manure from fields or manure storage facilities that have been inadequately constructed or maintained are important management concerns. If a rain occurs after manure is spread on crop or hay fields, the phosphorus may run off into nearby waterways instead of sinking into the ground. This is especially problematic during the spring, when manure spread over the winter is washed away by the spring snowmelt. Since this manure is delivered directly into waterways, this can be a major contributor of phosphorus to the streams and lakes. Likewise, manure storage facilities need to be structurally sound and have enough capacity to handle the manure generated at the farm, to avoid leaks or overtopping.
Direct access of livestock to streams and ponds can also be a problem if the streambank is not well vegetated. Not only do cattle and hogs "direct deposit" manure into the water, they can also overgraze and trample streambanks, leading to erosion problems. Trampled banks also damage fish habitat, destroying overhangs used for shelter and compacting stream bottoms that are used for spawning and feeding.
An important characteristic of phosphorus that has significant implications for water quality is its tendency to bind to soil particles. Because of this, when phosphorus is applied to fields it stays relatively immobilized and stable on land as long as the soil remains intact. However, when land suffers from erosion, soil is washed into waterways and the phosphorus attached to it is then released into the water. Once phosphorus enters the water, the algae bloom cycle begins. Because of this process, erosion and runoff are key issues that need to be addressed for good phosphorus management.
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