Excess Bacteria in the Mississippi River
Published on Nov 20, 2015
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MORE DECKS TO EXPLORE
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
TOO MUCH BACTERIA...
- Makes humans sick
- Is harmful to aquatic life
- Threatens recreational activities
Photo by Sprengben [why not get a friend]
PHOSPHORUS
- Brought by pollution running from metropolitan MN
- Causes toxic algae blooms
- Depletes oxygen levels in the river
Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico is a very well known problem caused by phosphorus in the river.
Photo by CIMMYT
E. COLI
- Caused by human and animal feces
- Indicative of waterborne pathogens
- Can make people sick
Photo by Microbe World
SO WHAT CAN WE DO FOR E. COLI?
- Make sure your septic system is up to date
- Pick up pet waste
- Reduce stormwater runofft
- Don't put pollutants into storm drains
Photo by blmiers2
AND PHOSPHORUS?
- Use phosphorus-free lawn products
- Keep grass clippings and leaves out of storm drains
- Use phosphorus-free detergents
- Pick up pet waste
Pet waste disposal is an important step in helping both the issues of E. coli and phosphorus.
Photo by darkday.
Untitled Slide
- "I've heard about it, but I don't know what I can do."
- "I didnt even know this was happening."
- "It doesnt really affect us in Minnesota at the river's start.
- Many people also said they take caution to help the issue regularly.
Many more people didn't actually know it was happening or didn't care, which was expected but still disappointed.
Photo by jenny downing
