{"id":110583,"date":"2019-09-20T10:26:44","date_gmt":"2019-09-20T14:26:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stg.savethewater.org\/?p=110583"},"modified":"2021-01-22T08:20:54","modified_gmt":"2021-01-22T13:20:54","slug":"water-research-report-special-edition-florida-everglades-concentration-of-trace-metals-in-sediments-and-soils-from-protected-lands-in-south-florida-background-levels-and-risk-evaluation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savethewater.org\/water-research-report-special-edition-florida-everglades-concentration-of-trace-metals-in-sediments-and-soils-from-protected-lands-in-south-florida-background-levels-and-risk-evaluation\/","title":{"rendered":"Metal Concentrations in South Florida Above Ecological Thresholds"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2013, JE Castro and other scientists conducted a comprehensive environmental evaluation in South Florida and found metal concentrations in certain areas higher than Florida\u2019s ecological thresholds.1<\/span> Ecological thresholds can be defined as the breaking point of a habitat.2<\/span> Specifically, they measured concentrations of 20 metals from 50 sites. These 50 sites were in\u00a0 Everglades National Park, the coastal fringes of Biscayne National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve. They didn\u2019t find widespread pollution, however.1<\/span> The scientists identified certain metals as hazardous to life: copper in Biscayne National Park, chromium and lead in Everglades National Park.1<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Castro and the scientists stated that their study could help manage the Everglades restoration projects.1<\/span> Save The WaterTM<\/span> also proposes a study to monitor these and other metals that threaten the Everglades.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Health Effects of Metals: Chromium, Copper, and Lead<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to a 2011 study by Reena Singh and others, human activities have changed the biochemical balance and geochemical cycles of heavy metals. For example, certain plants accumulate copper. Prolonged exposure to copper and lead can cause health problems in humans. According to the study, \u201cAll metals are toxic at higher concentrations.\u201d3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Although humans need copper at certain concentrations, lead is toxic and has no known benefits for humans. High concentrations of chromium also have negative effects on human health.3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The following table summarizes some of the impacts of these three metals.3<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Metal<\/b><\/td>\nImpact on Human Health<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Copper<\/span><\/td>\nDamages to live and kidney, anemia, stomach problems<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lead<\/span><\/td>\nChildren: <\/b>mental retardation; developmental delays, infant fatality<\/span><\/p>\n

Adults: <\/b>damage to nervous system, liver, kidneys<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Chromium<\/span><\/td>\nFatigue, irritability, damage to nervous system<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

What Now? Monitoring the Everglades is Vital<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because the Everglades serves the water needs of over 8 million people in South Florida, it is vital to monitor the water quality of this resource.3<\/span> Please check out <\/span>our proposal to conduct a water study in the Everglades<\/span><\/a>, our long term commitment to educating future scientists about the Everglades through our <\/span>Day In the Life Of A Scientist (DILOS)\u2122 program<\/span><\/a>, and consider donating to Save The WaterTM<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

References<\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. JE Castro, et al. August 2013. \u201cConcentration of trace metals in sediments and soils from protected lands in south Florida: background levels and risk evaluation.\u201d <\/span>Environmental Monitoring and Assessment<\/span><\/i>, 185(8)<\/span>.<\/span><\/i> https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/23288595\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Andrew J. Hugget. \u201cThe concept and utility of \u2018ecological thresholds\u2019 in biodiversity conservation.\u201d <\/span>Biological Conservation <\/span><\/i>124(2005). <\/span>http:\/\/frst411.sites.olt.ubc.ca\/files\/2015\/01\/Huggett_BioCon2005.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Reena Singh, et al. May 2011. \u201cHeavy metals and living systems: An overview.\u201d <\/span>Indian Journal of Pharmacology<\/span><\/i>, 43(3). https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3113373\/<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Matthew Koenig. August 21, 2018. \u201c3 Interesting Facts About the Florida Everglades.\u201d Florida Seminole Tourism. http:\/\/bit.ly\/2XFyydG<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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