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