Millions of Dead Fish/Birds; First week in 2011

January 7th, 2011

The expression, “like a canary in a coal mine” was used to describe the alarm system for coal miners in the late 19th and early 20th century.  The small birds were brought down into the mines to be a zoological early warning to alert miners of toxic gases or fumes.  The canaries would choke and die earlier than people so the men knew they should take action!

Explanations of large scale bird and  fish deaths over the past 7 days are as follows: hail, lightening, heavy winds fireworks, disease, tornado, upper atmospheric disturbance, mass confusion, hit by something, bird government experiments, power lines, extreme temperatures (hot or cold), massive trauma, struck by a car or my personal favorite, the 2nd coming of Christ.  I think we should add chemicals to the list ~ Don’t you?  The experts may be overlooking several chemicals because they do not consider these chemicals to be deadly.  Why? Because the same chemicals are found in 90% of every man, woman and child in the USA.  One more thing, pollution and poison HAS been ruled out.  I believe that ruling out “pollution” is unwarranted and too early.

Fish Kill Aug. 2010


New Years Eve ~ between 3,000-5,000 dead red-winged black birds in Ozark, AR fell to earth.  The very next day, 125 miles away, 80,000-100,000 drum fish died on a 20 mile stretch of the Arkansas River.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/03/national/main7208349.shtml
or
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40887450/ns/us_news-environment/
I called the Army Core of Engineers (ACE) in Arkansas to find out if Beebe was downstream of Ozark – NO – Little Rock is downstream.  I asked if something like a chemical could have been spread by air carrying the winds southeast to Beebe and landing in the streams.  ACE stated, “It is unlikely because the fish are bottom feeders…it may be a disease. The birds dying at the same time is just a coincidence.”

The fish died on a 20 mile stretch on the Arkansas River near Ozark, AR and the 3-5,000 birds died just 125 miles south-east of Ozark in Beebe, AR.  Two days later, 300 miles due south, 500 red winged black birds die in Louisiana. Coincidence…but the deaths keep coming!

Jan. 4, 2011 ~ Now if that were not enough fowlness, Louisiana’s sky drops 500 blackbirds and starlings.  http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/04/national/main7212053.shtml

Jan. 4.  Mullet Ladyfish, Catfish found dead in the thousands; Port Orange, FL said to be largest fish kill seen there.
http://www.wftv.com/video/26368602/index.html

Jan 5, 2011 ~ Two million fish wash up on shore and is considered the biggest fish kill in Chesapeake Bay, MD since 1980.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Two-Million-Fish-Found-Dead-In-Chesapeake-Bay-Maryland-After-Birds-Die-In-Arkansas-And-Louisiana/Article/201101115880847?f=rss

Jan 7, 2010 ~Around 10,000 menhaden fish were found dead on the shores of Folly Beach, NC.  http://www.ktsm.com/news/more-fish-bird-deaths-this-time-world-wide

Jan. 7, 2011 ~Western Kentucky, hundreds of grackles, robins, starlings and blackbirds die mysteriously.     http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/05/hundreds-more-dead-birds-_n_804952.html 

Articles all over the world have been discussing their own wildlife deaths: Vietnam, Sweden, Brazil, Italy and New Zealand Brittan, have also had large fish/bird deaths in the past week. But we will stay focused on the good ‘ol USA.

The aflockalypse? Well, the scientific community does not believe in the unconventional scare tactics and neither does Save Maumee.  However this should be a warning to all.  Mass deaths of animals have always happened.  Most of these deaths have happened to large populations and have been getting lots of attention –  but slower mass extinction of thousands of species because of human activity is going ignored.  Remember, population in nature takes care of itself, (i.e. natural selection & survival of the fittest) but this law of nature goes for the human race as well.

This all seems reminiscent of a book written by Rachel Carson called Silent Spring~ Please Read IT.  Aldrin, Dieldrin, Heptachlor and DDT or the overall term “chlorinated hydrocarbons” and a second group of insecticides, “organic phosphates” are among the most poisonous chemicals in the world. They wreaked havoc on the natural environment in the 40’s and 50’s.  As early as 1950 the FDA declared “it is “extremely likely the potential hazard of DDT has been underestimated” http://www.pan-uk.org/pestnews/Actives/ddt.htm  By the way, ALL these chemicals were spread indiscriminately across the landscape of the USA for years before the disastrous effects were discovered.

What types of things do these chemical concoctions produce? mutagens, agents capable of modifying genes (the material for heredity) paralysis, internal bleeding, instantaneous death, widespread cancer…and many more side effects

http://www.pan-uk.org/pestnews/Actives/ddt.htmThese chemicals can travel in groundwater, surface water, up tubules of plants that we eat, reside on fruit and remains in soil.

Connect the dots together for yourself and take action lovely people of Earth.  I know that our planet is does not start with a capital letter, but from now it should be.

*duly noted, the numbers of fish and bird deaths are range estimates from different stories referenced, but the several locations are concerning.

FUN on Fort Wayne Rivers!

January 2nd, 2011

Happy New Year…2011 here we come!  The Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day has a great turn out in Fort Wayne! Check out the video!    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOfdDsDpS70&feature=autofb

Ring Leaders of the Plunge Girls in BathrobesBikers Overlooking EventsOverlook of FestivitiesSpectators on the south side of the St. Josephimg_4735.JPG

HEC’s Environmental Policy for Waterways in 2011

January 2nd, 2011

Hoosier Environmental Council 2011-2012 Legislative Policy Guide

http://www.hecweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2011LegGuide10-3.pdf

According to the 2010 Impaired Waters List, Indiana has more than 2,600 impaired waters that are unsafe for drinking and recreation.

The following is a summary of information presented in the guide regarding water issues:

Issue 1) Restriction unnecessary use of phosphorus in lawn fertilizers on turf grass unless it is TRULY needed.  This is the first issue discussed because lawn fertilizer has been linked to “dead zones” in Lake Erie, where over 50% of our fish from the Great Lakes come from! (pg 4)

Issue 2) The Clean Water Act’s Anti-Degradation Policy was adopted by the Indiana General Assembly, but IDEM’s proposed rules do not meet this standard and must be improved.  Too many exemptions allow companies to avoid justifying their new or increased discharges.  There are several weaknesses in proposed rule so it needs to be strengthened. (pg 4)

Issue 3) Confined Feeding Animal Operations (CAFO’s) in Indiana number over 3,000.  At 80% of these operations; hogs and dairy cows are confined by the thousands or chickens are raised by tens of thousands at a single facility.   These large scale operations lead to public health disasters like fish kills, and Salmonella tainted eggs, blue-green algae blooms. The waste from these animals contain pathogens and medications that contaminate our waterways as well as food crops.  Traditionally, animal waste is used to fertilize crops but at this magnitude land application is dictated by the need to get rid of the waste rather than necessary fertilizer.  HEC believes that little is being done to effectively regulate the industry.
(pg 5)

Issue 4) Financial Assurance to Indiana Taxpayers. One example happened in 2009 – in Muncie, Indiana.  4-5 million gallons of manure was released and the State of Indiana paid the clean up cost associated with the defunct hog farm.  The primary purpose is to ensure that funds will be available to protect human health and the environment in the event that the facility owners of operators are unable or fail to do so. (pg 5)

Indiana Hog Farm: www.indianaenvironmentallaw.com

SUSTAINABLE agriculture builds food and fiber production systems that are both economically viable and protect or enhance the environmental quality of the agricultural lands.  It also increases the quality of life for farmers and those people that live in the area surrounding the farms. (pg 5)

Seed Harvest Update & River Stuff!

December 20th, 2010

Save Maumee Seed Harvest 2010 Update:

 

Harvesters…the river thanks 30 of you, for all the seeds gathered for our 2nd Annual Seed Harvest at Fox Island.  Save Maumee is noteworthy of recognition for true improvements on your riverbanks (riparian areas) and continue to be the key word in today’s environmentalism…SUSTAINABLE!  WE could not do it without YOU.  We plucked the following and will plant our harvested seed at Earth Day 2011! ~ A grand plan in the works.  We will be sending a hard working group to a remote site at NOON on Sunday April 17th, 2011.  Save Maumee 6th Annual Earth Day begins at the usual spot at 11AM. Working on website updates right now.

 

 Seed Hunter Extraordinare

 

What did we pluck from the generous nature preserve, Fox Island, and what will we be planting for Earth Day?  Estimates of seed weight and prices.

 

The following in blue is a price list from Heartland Restoration/Earth Source Inc. (2010 quotes)

 

Big Bluestem: $12/LB                            Save Maumee collected approx . 5.5 lbs = $66

Canada Wild Rye: $14/LB                      Save Maumee collected approx.  4.5 lbs = $63

 Indian Grass: $8/LB                               Save Maumee collected approx.  3lbs = $ 24

                                                                 3 types of grasses totaling 13lbs  = approx $153.00

 

Tall Iron Weed: $225/LB                         Save Maumee collected approx.               3lbs = $675

Wild Bergamot: $352/LB                        Save Maumee collected approx.   2 lbs = $704

Gray Headed Coneflower: $105/LB         Save Maumee collected approx.   1.5 lbs = $157.50

Common Milkweed: $7/oz, $108/LB        Save Maumee collected approx.   1 lb = $108

Switchgrass: $2/oz                                Save Maumee collected approx.    2 oz = $ 4

Prairie Dropseed: $18/oz                       Save Maumee collected approx.    2 oz = $36

Mountain Mint: $43/oz                            Save Maumee collected approx.    2 oz = $86

New England Aster: $21/oz                     Save Maumee collected approx.    1.5oz =$31.50

Prairie Dock: $18/oz                              Save Maumee collected approx.    2oz = $ 36

Yarrow: $2/oz                                        Save Maumee collected approx.    1oz = $2

Lemon Queen:$23-50/oz                        Save Maumee collected approx.    5 oz = $125

Grey Goldenrod: $450/lb                        Save Maumee collected approx.    1 lbs = $450

Dogwood Berries: $36-50/lb                    Save Maumee collected approx.    2.5 lbs = $100

Black Eyed Susan:$6/oz                        Save Maumee collected approx.    2oz = $ 12

Cup Plant: $10/oz                                  Save Maumee collected approx.    1oz = $ 10

Evening Primrose:$5/oz                         Save Maumee collected approx.                1oz = $ 5
Joe Pye Weed: $36/oz                          
Save Maumee collected approx.                7 grams = $3

Fox Glove: $10/oz                                 Save Maumee collected approx.                1oz = $ 10

 Nodding Onion: $22.50/oz                     Save Maumee collected approx.                7grams = $ 10.

Natives totaling approx. 14lbs = $ 2,565

 

So how much is all of this worth in dollars saved by plucking it ourselves?

 

GRAND TOTAL:   $ 2,718 WORTH OF SEED!!! THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

 

 

 

 

Hope you can make it to our river efforts on at our 6th Annual Earth Day! 2011

True workers for a better Earth MAN-ual Labor at its finest!

Check out the video clips from Save Maumee’s Earth Day 2010: 
(6 parts total 10 mins each)

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDLiDxJshO0 – planting

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUaG7Qu0Muc – the people!

Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgXM7wKl1ic bird demo

Part 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WTR_-jXh3o

Part 5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sGE9tXF5VM enviroscape demo

Part 6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTe0bPgPM7g – my personal favorite that shows the RESULTS of our efforts!

 

 

 

Last Save Maumee Fundraiser for 2010 – PARTY for Merriment!  

Wednesday December 22, 2010 4:30PM – 9PM  at Nuhouser Garden & Gifts
 4605 W. Jefferson (just southwest Jefferson Pointe) Maybe last ditch efforts to buy Christmas gifts?

 

Neuhouser Nursery will be throwing a party for Save Maumee.
~Food from Paula’s on Main and Dash-In
~Various wines from Hall’s Triangle Park & Gas House
~Sample Amish made foods and to learn about your local waterways!
~Show support, meet friends, and enjoy holiday cheer!
~All natural dog treats, catnip toys, Christmas decorations, party gifts,
gardening tools and more!
~Bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank or gently used winter
attire for the Rescue Mission (men’s, women’s, and children’s) and get 20%
off of any one item!
~15% of all proceeds goes to riverbank stabilization projects!

 

 

Official Events Schedule for Save Maumee 2011! **All events are rain or shine**

 

ü      February 2011-(TBA) Benefit show with bands

 

ü      Sunday April 17, 2011- 6th Annual Earth Day Maumee River Clean Up 11a.m. to 4 p.m.- Niagara Drive, North side of the Maumee

 

ü      Saturday September 17- Canoe Clean Up Can YOU Clean Up? 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free Canoe with ID from Fort Wayne Outfitters Bike Depot!

 

ü      October 4 OR October 24, 2011- Date TBA due to harvesting availability
 Fox Island Seed Harvest 1p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Information at your fingertips:

blog.savemaumee.org/ – many relevant articles

 

Just a little example:

1 out of 8 fish in Indiana had levels of Mercury considered damaging to humans & animals http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/46275/

 

 

Merry Christmas and a very warm Season to all!  Keep working toward a better Earth throughout every Season!

 

Sincerely,

Abigail King

Save Maumee Grassroots Organization Founder

 

In November Abigail King was also nominated to the Board of Directors for Maumee Valley Heritage Corridor, http://www.maumeevalleyheritagecorridor.org/

 

 

Save Maumee Grassroots Organization was formed to create awareness about the conditions of the Three Rivers in Fort Wayne, IN, while facilitating ecosystem restoration and volunteer based projects.  Revitalizing the Upper-Maumee Watershed will protect and restore the environment, while improving the economic, aesthetic and recreational value.  We are organizing projects that place a high priority on monitoring, developing, protecting and restoring rivers with a positive environmental impact. Ultimately, we work to repair and improve the St. Joe, St. Mary (upstream), and the Maumee Rivers (and downstream) to help reverse years of pollution. This will be accomplished through an Upper-Maumee Watershed Management Plan for the State of Indiana and Ohio which will be necessary to secure federal funding for the entire watershed that crosses the political boundaries of; 2 states, 4 counties and many municipalities.

 

100% donations from you go only to best management practices for naturalization of riparian areas – this is what grassroots organizing is all about ~ ALL VOLUNTEERS ~ The money in 2010 came from Grateful Groove Fundraiser, The Berlin Pub Music Party & B-Rad, Rock Out-Camp Out by Grateful Music Productions, Earth Day 2010, Canoe Clean-Up 2010, Sports & Spirits Bar & Grill, Greg Konger and the last one of the Season, Neuhouser Nursery Fundraiser. Namnaste to many small monetary donors! Save Maumee did not raise as much money as last year but we are very proud to supply you with these effective erosion control techniques for OUR riverbanks!

 

Top Shoreline/Streambank Tips

December 20th, 2010

1. Grow a Greenbelt: Establish a greenbelt or expand an existing one by adding more native plants.  Encourage your neighbors to do the same.  Buffers are helpful when it comes to water quality!

2. Fertilizer Smart: If you fertilize, refrain from fertilizing within 30′ of a shoreline/ditch/stream. DEFINITELY use no-phosphorus fertilizer.

3. Leave Trees: If a tree falls into the water leave it! They provide great habitat and contribute to the important carbon budget of the ecosystem.

4. Maintain Septic Systems: Failing septic systems can leach nutrients, which cause nuisance algae and plant growth.

5. Control Erosion: Stabilize shoreline erosion with bioengineering methods best management practices.

6. Join Forces: Support your local lake or river associations; they implement important resources protection projects and programs…like Save Maumee!

7. Stow Away: Store boats, boat hoists, docks and other equipment away from the shoreline; they can harm shoreline plants and compact soils.  Work on these machines and engines AWAY from the water to reduce leaks and spills.

8. Flow Away: Stormwater from driveways, roof tops, and other surfaces carries harmful pollutants.  Direct stormwater away from the street grates and allow it to infiltrate into the ground. (i.e. raingardens, rainbarrels, porous cement, wash car on lawn instead of driveway etc.)

9. Appreciate Aquatic Plants: Nearshore aquatic plants (growing in the water) are an important part of the lake and river ecosystems.  They offer valuable habitat and buffer wave energy.  See here for details: https://blog.savemaumee.org/2010/11/22/how-does-planting-trees-and-grasses-help/

10. Know the Law: Familiarize yourself with local, state, and federal regulations.  Permits are needed for some shoreline activities; be aware if any of your future plans require one.  Also, check to see if your county/municipality has a greenbelt ordinance.

11. When in Doubt? Call it Out: Hold government and corporation entities responsible!  Take a picture of laws that appear to be broken.  Send it to us! abby@savemaumee.org OR CALL Katie Englin at IDEM complaint hotline for immediate remediation: 317-232-4464

NASA~Earth Observatory over past 130 years

December 20th, 2010

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WorldOfChange/decadaltemp.php?src=eoa-features

A snapshot of Earth over the past 130 years with heating and warming trends.

“A one-degree global change is significant because it takes a vast amount of heat to warm all the oceans, atmosphere, and land by that much. In the past, a one- to two-degree drop was all it took to plunge the Earth into the Little Ice Age. A five-degree drop was enough to bury a large part of North America under a towering mass of ice 20,000 years ago. ”

Please take care of Her!

How does planting trees and grasses help?

November 22nd, 2010

Example of trees & grasses to help your waterways!

  •      Siltation/erosion/sedimentation is the #1 pollutant in our watershed.  The grasses will help to settle out suspended sediment in the water to help hold down the soil that could be washed away because there is nothing to hold down the barren soil when the water comes rushing down during a rain event.

 

  •      Grasses filtrate sediment by holding water for a longer period of time so the sediment settles to the bottom instead of traveling downstream. 

 

  •     Removal of nutrients from the water before it passes downstream. 

 

  •       Plants produce enzymes which will absorb and “eat” bacteria

 

  •       Natural removal of chemical pollutants like fertilizers and waste materials removes nitrogen, phosphorous and toxins from surface water.

 

  •       Creating more shade will help to create Dissolved Oxygen that is needed in the water for fish and other wildlife to “breathe.”

 

  •       Floods problems can be alleviated – grassy knolls and trees can capture, store and slowly release water over a longer period of time

 

  •       Protect shorelines through reduction of destructive energy from fast moving/ rising water

 

  •       Alleviate pools of standing, stagnant water so West Nile will not have the opportunity to be passed on in the mosquito or human population

 

 

“87% of wetlands in Indiana no longer exist. Most of the forested river corridors in Allen County have been removed.  Water quality, stormwater drainage and sewage issues recognize no political boundaries and need regional coordination.” (Plan-It-Allen, 2007) So you will be aiding in replenishing wetland species right here!  Streambank stabilization projects are currently receiving 0 dollars in Indiana. (Soil & Water, 2008)  Please invest in Natural Capital!

 

60 Million Fish Dead/Year; New Permits now in place! GOOD NEWS

November 20th, 2010

Recapping this article; The FirstEnergy’s Bay Shore plant kills more fish than all others in Ohio combined and is one of the largest sites for fish kills in the region. Bay Shore kills up to 46 million adults and 14 million juveniles a year whenoperating at full capacity & estimates 209 million fish eggs and 2.2 trillion microscopic fish in the larval form being pulled through screens and killed inside the plant each year.  What a shame, but permits now in place, should be at least better!

http://toledoblade.com/article/20101120/NEWS16/11190362/-1/OPINION04

State EPA renews Bay Shore’s permit
Lower fish kills factor in decision

PhotoFirstEnergy Corp. is getting the chance to prove that its dual strategy for reducing fish kills at its Bay Shore power plant in Oregon will work.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Friday announced it will renew the utility’s wastewater-discharge permit at the plant for 4 1/2 years, from Jan. 1 through July 31, 2015.

 The permit calls for the same reduction in fish kills that had been proposed in a draft document that went out for public comment last spring – at least 80 percent fewer impinged, or killed from being trapped against the plant’s intake screens, and at least 60 percent fewer entrained, or sucked through the hot plant by its powerful intake current.

The only difference between what was proposed and what was made final is that the deadline was moved up by 18 months, Ohio EPA spokesman Dana Pierce said, to April 1, 2013, instead of Oct. 1, 2014.
“Moving the date up will reduce two peak seasons of fish kills, which are highest during the April-to-June fish migration period,” the agency said in its news release.
The permit also provides FirstEnergy a variance from tougher federal rules for mercury releases into the water, giving the utility more time to phase in improvements.
Confronted by public outcry last spring, FirstEnergy said Friday it is pleased by the agency’s decision.
At an April 22 hearing, several area residents demanded the installation of a $100 million cooling tower.
Cooling towers greatly reduce water intake and reduce fish mortalities by 95 percent, making them the most effective devices at saving fish. But their price tag keeps them out of reach for many plants.
 The Bay Shore facility, built in 1955, is in a unique situation.
It sits in a modified estuary where the Maumee River meets western Lake Erie’s Maumee Bay, one of the Great Lakes region’s most valuable spawning areas. It kills more fish than all others in Ohio combined and is one of the largest sites for fish kills in the region.
 FirstEnergy’s consultant estimates that Bay Shore kills up to 46 million adults and 14 million juveniles a year when operating at full capacity.
More than half – 24 million emerald shiners and 14 million gizzard shad – are bait fish that support the Great Lakes region’s $7 billion fishery. About $1 billion of that economic impact is in Ohio alone.
 Records submitted by the utility also show an estimated 209 million fish eggs and 2.2 trillion microscopic fish in their larval form being pulled through screens and killed inside the plant each year.
Since last spring, FirstEnergy has announced scaled-back operations for three of the four units, saying the action was in response to the lackluster economy and less demand for industrial power, not because of fish.
 Prior to that, the utility installed several underwater shutterlike devices known as reverse louvers for a pilot study to see if they can be deployed on a larger scale to divert fish around the plant. The utility paid $500,000 to have enough installed for a two-year test run.
“Between the two of those, we will be able to meet the impingement and entrainment requirements,” said Mark Durbin, FirstEnergy spokesman. “Our focus all along has been on this system that we think will work, the louvers.”
 Contact Tom Henry at:
thenry@theblade.com
or 419-724-6079.

Mercury Contamination in 96% of Wastewater Discharge Samples from Public Treatment Facilities (USGS)

November 20th, 2010

High Mercury Levels Found in Water Throughout Indiana

http://www.wqpmag.com/High-Mercury-Levels-Found-in-Water-Throughout-Indiana-newsPiece22021

USGS study shows that rain and wastewater discharges are sources
November 18, 2010

 
   
 

Mercury contamination in water and fish throughout Indiana has routinely exceeded levels recommended to protect people and wildlife, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). About 1 in 8 fish samples tested statewide had mercury that exceeded the recommended safety limit for human consumption. The causes include mercury in the rain and mercury going down the drain, according to a recently released federal study.

The most significant source of mercury to Indiana watersheds is fallout from the air. Much of the mercury in the air comes from human activity. In Indiana, coal-burning power plants emit more mercury to the air each year than any other human activity. In urban areas, wastewater discharge contributes a substantial portion of mercury to waterways.

These are among the key findings of a comprehensive study of mercury in the state’s watersheds during the past decade by the USGS in partnership with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

“Indiana has been a national leader in understanding its mercury problems through a long-term statewide network of monitoring,” said USGS hydrologist Martin Risch, who led the study. “Actions by the IDEM provided data about mercury in fish and wastewater. Our understanding of mercury would not have been possible without their cooperation.”

During the study, scientists examined mercury in water, fish, precipitation, dry fallout and wastewater to determine the causes and effects of mercury moving through the environment. They also examined landscape characteristics, precipitation and streamflow for a total of more than 380,000 pieces of data that provide a snapshot of mercury in Indiana.

“The amount of mercury in precipitation was the main factor affecting mercury levels in the state’s watersheds,” said Risch. “But wastewater discharge can be a significant source of mercury. When wastewater is delivered to a stream from hundreds of discharge pipes, it increases mercury levels in watersheds more than was previously recognized.”

Mercury was detected in 96% of the wastewater discharge samples from public treatment facilities in this study. Mercury in wastewater samples typically exceeded criteria set to protect people and wildlife. Higher numbers of discharge pipes in a watershed were linked to higher levels of mercury in the streams.

Water draining from reservoirs in this study had significantly higher percentages of mercury converted to methylmercury than water from streams without dams. Dams can trap mercury transported by suspended particles in streams. Once the particulate mercury settles in the lake or reservoir behind the dam, natural processes change some of it to methylmercury, a toxin that accumulates in organisms throughout their lives. Methylmercury levels are amplified up the food chain and reach high levels in some sport fish and in fish that serve as food for wildlife.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey   November 18, 2010

20 Things You Didn’t Know About Water

November 9th, 2010

DiscoverMagazine.com 2009 by Rebecca Coffey

1. Water is everywhere – there are 332,500,000 cubic miles of it on earth’s surface.  But less than 1% of it is fresh and accessible, even when you include bottled water.

2. And “fresh” can be a relative term.  Before 2009, federal regulators did not require water bottlers to remove E. coli.

3. Actually, E. coli doesn’t sound so bad.  In 1999 the Natural Resources Defense Council found that one brand of spring water came from a well in an industrial parking lot near a hazardous wasted dump.

4. Cheers! The new Water Recovery System on the International Space Station recycles 93% of astronauts’ perspiration and urine, turning it back into drinking water.

5. Kurdish villages in northern Iraq are using a portable version of the NASA system to purify water from streams and rivers, courtesy of the relief group Concern for Kids.

6. Ice is a lattice of tetrahedrally bonded molecules that contain a lot of empty space. That’s why it floats.

7. Even after ice melts, some of those tetrahedrons almost always remain, like tiny ice cubes 100 molecules wide.  So every glass of water, no matter what its temperature, comes on the rocks.

8. You can make your own water by mixing hydrogen and oxygen in a container and adding a spark. Unfortunately, that is the formula that destroyed the Hindenburg.

9. Scientists have a less explosive recipe for extracting energy from hydrogen and oxygen.  Strip away electrons from some hydrogen molecules, add oxygen molecules with too many electrons, and bingo! You get an electric current.  That’s what happens in a fuel cell.

10. Good Gardeners know not to water plants during the day.  Droplets clinging to the leaves can act as little magnifying glasses, focusing sunlight and causing plants to burn.

11. Hair on your skin can hold water droplets too.  A hairy leg may get sunburned more quickly than a shaved one.

12. Vicious cycle.  Water in the stratosphere contributes to the current warming of earth’s atmosphere.  That in turn may increase the severity of tropical cyclones, which throw more water into the stratosphere.  That’s the theory, anyway.

13. The slower rate of warming in the past decade might be due to a 10% drop in stratospheric water. Cause: unknown.

14  Although many doctors tell patients to drink eight glasses of water a day, there is no scientific evidence to support this advice.

15. The misinformation might have come from a 1945 report recommending that Americans consume about “1 milliliter of water for each calorie of food, ” which amounts to 8 or 10 cups a day.  But the report added that much of that water comes from food – a nuance many people apparently missed.

16.  Call waterholics anonymous: Drinking significantly more water than is need can cause “water intoxication” and lead to fatal cerebral and pulmonary edema.   Amateur marathon runners have died this way.

17. Scientists at Oregon State University have identified vast reservoirs of water beneath the ocean floor. In fact, there may be more water under the oceans than in them.

18.  Without water, ocean crust would not sink back into the earth’s mantle.  There would be no plate tectonics, and our planet would probably be a lot like Venus: hellish and inert.

19. At the other end of the wetness scale, planet GJ 1214b, which orbits a red dwarf star, may be almost entirely water.

20.  Recent evidence suggests that when the solar system formed 4.5 billion years ago, comets had liquid cores.  If so, life may have started in a comet.