Journal of Ecology and Toxicology
Open Access

Pale limnology; Experimental lakes; Area elemental lead; Eutrophication; Acidification; DOC

Introduction

Metal pollution seldom occurs independently of other anthropogenic impacts and can often be confounded by the presence of additional environmental stressors that have the potential to modulate the abundance of metals in the environment. One prominent example is the issue of environmental acidification [1]. Typically, ecosystem acidification is generated through the combustion of fossil fuels and emissions from smelters whereby sulfur and nitrogen compounds are emitted into the atmosphere, and subsequent acidic precipitation is deposited on the landscape .Lake eutrophication, on the other hand, which corresponds to an increase in limiting nutrient levels in lakes, is currently often linked to diffuse sources, such as agricultural runoff and has been particularly well documented to increase total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon concentrations in lake water [2]. While insights into the deposition and accumulation of metals can be gained through a regional paleolimnological survey, the co-occurrence of anthropogenic land-use changes may hinder the mechanistic determination of the influence of Lake Acidification and eutrophication on the accumulation of metals in lake sediments. For example, despite metals generally exhibiting greater solubility in acidic pH trends in metal accumulation in regions of the world known to have experienced high rates of acid deposition may not reflect this increased within-lake solubility but rather reflect increased metal accumulation mediated by atmospheric deposition and catchment leaching [3]. Conversely, in regions of important agricultural run-off, metal accumulation trends may overestimate the true atmospheric deposition patterns of metals and be biased by the greater proportion of organic compounds in lake water, whereby important complexation of metals with organic matter is expected It would thus be important to investigate the influence of acidification and eutrophication in a more controlled experimental setting [4].

Acidification occurs when acidic substances, often resulting from industrial emissions or acid rain, enter freshwater ecosystems, causing a decrease in the pH levels of lakes and rivers. Eutrophication, on the other hand, is characterized by excessive nutrient inputs, primarily phosphorus and nitrogen, leading to the proliferation of harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion in aquatic systems [5].

In a groundbreaking study conducted at the ELA, researchers observed that acidification and eutrophication can significantly impact the accumulation of lead in lake sediments. Lead, a toxic heavy metal, is often present in the environment as a result of human activities such as mining, smelting, and the use of leaded gasoline in the past. The study revealed that acidification, caused by sulfuric acid addition, increased the release of lead from surrounding soils and sediments into the water column, subsequently leading to its accumulation in lake sediments [6].

Furthermore, the research highlighted the role of eutrophication in exacerbating lead accumulation. Excessive nutrient inputs, particularly phosphorus, from agricultural runoff and wastewater can promote the growth of algae. These algae can adsorb and concentrate lead from the water, eventually sinking to the lake bottom as they die and decompose. The accumulation of organic matter and algal debris in the sediments, coupled with the presence of lead, can create a favorable environment for lead retention over time [7].

These findings have important implications for freshwater ecosystem management and conservation efforts [8]. The connection between acidification, eutrophication, and lead accumulation underscores the need for integrated approaches to mitigate multiple stressors [9]. Efforts to reduce sulfur emissions and combat acid rain can help alleviate the release of lead from sediments. Additionally, implementing measures to control nutrient inputs and mitigate eutrophication can indirectly reduce the accumulation of lead in sediments by preventing algal blooms and organic matter deposition [10].

Conclusion

The experiments carried out in the Experimental Lakes Area have unraveled the intricate connection between acidification, eutrophication, and lead accumulation in sediments. These findings highlight the need for holistic approaches in addressing multiple stressors that affect freshwater ecosystems. By comprehending the interplay between these processes, we can work towards preserving the health and integrity of our lakes and rivers, ensuring clean and sustainable water resources for future generations. Moreover, the research conducted at the ELA emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring and the assessment of cumulative impacts in freshwater systems. Understanding the complex interactions between acidification, eutrophication, and heavy metal contamination is crucial for informed decision-making and the development of effective management strategies to safeguard our precious freshwater resources. Each of the relevant variables were sampled every two weeks and averaged by year and lake basins, by first calculating monthly averages, and then calculating the annual mean across the ice-free season. Variables with a large proportion of missing data were discarded.

1. Caminade Cyril, McIntyre Marie K, Jones Anne E (2019)Impact of recent and future climate change on vector-borne diseases: Climate change and vector-borne diseases.Ann N Y Acad Sci1436: 157-173.

Google Scholar,Crossref,Indexed at

2. Patz J, Olson S (2006)Malaria Risk and Temperature: Influences from Global Climate Change and Local Land Use Practices.Proc Natl Acad Sci 103: 5635-5636.

Google Scholar

3. Patz J, Campbell Lendrum D, Holloway T, Foley J (2005)Impact of Regional Climate Change on Human Health.Nature 438: 310-317.

Google Scholar,Crossref,Indexed at

4. Mia S, Begum Rawshan A, Er Ah Choy, Abidin Raja DZR Zainal, Pereira Joy J, et al. (2010)Malaria and Climate Change: Discussion on Economic Impacts.Am J Environ Sci7: 65-74.

Google Scholar

5. Afrane YA, Githeko AK, Yan G (2012)The ecology of Anopheles mosquitoes under climate change: case studies from the effects of deforestation in East African highlands.Ann N Y Acad Sci 1249: 204-210.

Google Scholar,Crossref,Indexed at

6. Pates Helen, Curtis Christopher (2005)Mosquito Behaviour and Vector Control. Annu Rev Entomol 50: 57-70.

Crossref,Indexed at

7. Munga S, Minakawa N, Zhou G, Githenko AK, Yan G, et al. (2007)Survivorship of Immature Stages of Anopheles gambiae s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) in Natural Habitats in Western Kenya Highlands.J Med Entomol44: 758-764.

Google Scholar,Crossref,Indexed at

8. Butterworth MK, Morin CW, Comrie AC (2016)An Analysis of the Potential Impact of Climate Change on Dengue Transmission in the Southeastern United States. Environ Health Perspect 125: 579-585.

Google Scholar,Crossref,Indexed at

9. Caminade Cyril, Kovats Sari, Rocklov Joacim, Tompkins Adrian M, Morse Andrew P, et al. (2014)Impact of climate change on global malaria distribution.Proc Natl Acad Sci111: 3286-3291.

Google Scholar,Crossref,Indexed at

10. Danhier F, Feron O, Preat V (2010)To exploit the tumor microenvironment: Passive and active tumor targeting of nanocarriers for anti-cancer drug delivery.J Control Release 148:135-146.

Google Scholar,Crossref,Indexed at