The EPA has set up standards on what is an allowable concentration of certain ions and chemicals before toxicity has been reached for freshwater. This site mainly focuses on Cu, not N and P concentrations. Though, I have found the following information on the concentration levels:
Maximum contaminant level (aka MCL) levels are as follows: Cu 1.3 mg/L, Nitrate 10 mg/L,
Nitrite 1 mg/L, and P 10 µm/L.
Having stated this I want to now address a couple questions recently posed by Ariel Chivers in sec 50: "Are high levels of Cu harmful to people? or the animals that live in the lakes and ponds?" Though all of these (Cu, N, and P) are considered trace elements and essential to all life forms; they are only needed in minute amounts and toxic levels can be reached and therefore very harmful. Cu for example, in humans can cause problems from gastrointestinal distress to more severe problems like kidney and liver damage. In lab animals, elevated levels can cause cancer, however this was based on one study and hasn't been repeated thankfully.
Marta Fagundo in sec 65 asked: "Why did you specifically chose to look for N, P, and Cu?
I'm looking for these specifically because I know that several yards that back up to these wonderful waterways do use pesticides, chemicals, and fertilizers! It is therefore plausible that I should find concentrations of any and or all of these in my waters, and unfortunately these waters already exhibit eutrophic conditions (as you can see from the picture to the right).
It is a beautiful park that hosts an abundance of wildlife from minnows and bass to turtles and alligators. We also have brown pelicans and other water fowl that enjoy the waters.
My hope is that once I have all my data, I can educate my neighbors as to some healthier alternatives to the nasty chemicals they have been using. Knowledge is power! As we educate ourselves, we can educate others.
Thank you ladies for your questions.
Having stated this I want to now address a couple questions recently posed by Ariel Chivers in sec 50: "Are high levels of Cu harmful to people? or the animals that live in the lakes and ponds?" Though all of these (Cu, N, and P) are considered trace elements and essential to all life forms; they are only needed in minute amounts and toxic levels can be reached and therefore very harmful. Cu for example, in humans can cause problems from gastrointestinal distress to more severe problems like kidney and liver damage. In lab animals, elevated levels can cause cancer, however this was based on one study and hasn't been repeated thankfully.
Marta Fagundo in sec 65 asked: "Why did you specifically chose to look for N, P, and Cu?
I'm looking for these specifically because I know that several yards that back up to these wonderful waterways do use pesticides, chemicals, and fertilizers! It is therefore plausible that I should find concentrations of any and or all of these in my waters, and unfortunately these waters already exhibit eutrophic conditions (as you can see from the picture to the right).
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| This is one of the canals I'll be going through to get from one sampling site to another. |
It is a beautiful park that hosts an abundance of wildlife from minnows and bass to turtles and alligators. We also have brown pelicans and other water fowl that enjoy the waters.
My hope is that once I have all my data, I can educate my neighbors as to some healthier alternatives to the nasty chemicals they have been using. Knowledge is power! As we educate ourselves, we can educate others.
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| This company is reputable and a great alternative to Heron, Massey and the other "bad chemical companies" |
Thank you ladies for your questions.
Unless you've already covered this in another post, I'd like to know what these alternative companies use. Also, is there a reason to use pesticides/chemicals/fertilizers on lawns other than it looking nice? I'm a fan of leaving my clippings behind to nourish my grass with the decomposing material instead of bagging them, however, have never seen a neighbor do this.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of alternative/natural methods do Go Organic and other similar companies use? What are the results of these methods in comparison to the harsh chemicals?
ReplyDelete~Bethany Cobb, Sec. 1