Stream Ecology Notes
Animal
Total
Rating
Points
Rating Scale
Mayfly
28
10
280
1000
Excellent
Cranefly
5
6
30
900
Very Good
Stonefly
11
10
110
800
Good
Caddisfly
20
8
160
700
Slight pollution
Crawfish
7
6
42
600
Mild pollution
Midge larvae
10
3
30
500
Moderate pollution
Leeches
3
1
3
400
Significant pollution
Bloodworms
5
0
0
300
Do not swim
Gilled snail
4
5
20
200 or less
Sewage quality
Clams
7
3
21

TOTALS
100

696

Your class is collecting macroinvertebrates (insects & other small animals found in water) to determine the pollution level in a local creek. Each macroinvertebrate that you collect has a 'Pollution Rating' between 0 and 10. A rating of 0 means the animal is usually found in very polluted water. A rating of 10 means it is only found in very clean water. A total of 100 insects are caught, and the total number of points is added up.

Based on the stream ecology class notebook, what conclusion can you draw about the creek?

A)
You should not swim in this creek again, as it is highly polluted.

B)
Your community should be commended, as the water quality is excellent.

C)
The insect population indicates the presence of no pollutatnts at all.

D)
The creek could probably benefit from a clean-up, but it is still safe to

according to the u.s. department of agriculture, the label of "certified organic" comes with a set of highly regulated standards for environmental stewardship and resource conservation. some of these include maintenance and improvement of soil quality, prevention of ground and surface water contamination, greenhouse gas regulation, encouragement of biodiversity and conservation of water and energy (see references 1). organic practices integrate natural methods such as mulching, plant diversity, native and adapted plants, crop rotation and the introduction of beneficial insects to control pests without synthetic pesticides.

environmental implications of pesticides

synthetic pesticides ensure high crop yields. while effective in achieving this goal, pesticides contaminate soil, air, ground and surface water, as well as the plants and animals that come into contact with these contaminated sources. freshwater and marine organisms are particularly susceptible to pesticides through agricultural runoff. pesticides also reduce soil fertility (necessitating the use of synthetic fertilizers) and can travel far from the original source, contaminating water and air hundreds of miles from the location of application (see references 2).

health implications of organics

although a subject of particular debate, many recent findings show that organic food is healthier than conventionally grown food. according to the usda, an extensive european union-funded study found that organically grown foods contain more beneficial compounds, such as the vitamins and antioxidants needed to combat many diseases (see references 5). organic milk, meat and eggs are regulated to ensure they are free of hormones administered to conventional livestock and poultry.

health implications of pesticides

pesticides affect human health in three ways: through skin contact, inhalation and ingestion. acute and long-term exposure to pesticides can cause serious health problems for farmers who apply them. the majority of other people are affected by drinking contaminated water and eating contaminated marine life (see references 3). pesticides have been linked to neurological disorders, endocrine and reproductive disorders, immune system deficiencies and cancer. according to the world health organization, acute pesticide poisoning (app) is responsible for significant annual mortality, especially in developing nations (see references 4).

other important considerations

not every small farm or business owner can afford the costly certification process required to be considered "certified organic," even if the farm is not using chemicals. "transitional" farms include those that once used chemicals and are now transitioning to organic-only production. in addition, though organic farming methods offer obvious environmental benefit, an organic apple shipped from around the world creates a different set of environmental problems. locally grown food (particularly locally grown, organic food) is key in sustainable food production.

i think its 100

i hope this !

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