Download Ecological Problems Case Studies Presentations

Ecological Problems and Solutions
Purpose:
In this project, students will learn about the ecological history of Lake Washington, and apply
their understanding of concepts learned in this unit to an analysis of matter and energy transfers
between living things in an actual ecosystem.
Procedure:
1.
Begin by reading The Lake Washington Story to get some background information about the effects
of sewage and other pollutants on a freshwater ecosystem and how these problems were addressed her in
Lake Washington.
2. Answer the guided questions provided. You may find it helpful to access the web-site containing this
document directly so that you can take advantage of numerous hyperlinks to definitions of vocabulary. Go
to:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/lakes/lakes-of-king-county/lake-washington/lakewashington-story.aspx
3.
As a class we will discuss the history of the eutrophication of Lake Washington and the subsequent
revival of the lake ecosystem following the diversion of sewage to secondary waste-water treatment
plants beginning in 1963. Each individual in your group should be prepared to answer questions
and otherwise contribute to this discussion.
4.
As a group, select one of the topics listed on the next page to research on-line and prepare a brief
(~ 5 minutes) presentation to the class on your topic. In your presentation, be sure to focus on:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
the ways that biotic and abiotic factors affect each other
matter and energy transfers between organisms
the impact on the overall health of various ecosystems and/or economic, health and/or
other impacts on people
Include a case study illustrating the problem you are researching
What has been done, or could be done, to help solve the problem?
Use visual aids, pictures, short video clips, etc. to help with your presentation.
Create a question guide for your audience to help them learn the most important concepts
you cover (2-4 questions max.). Provide me an electronic copy
Topics:
I.
Overfishing: Many fisheries around the world are in danger of collapsing due to combination of
negative impacts, including overfishing. What is being done to monitor the health of fish
populations in various fisheries? How are catch limits set and enforced? What are the economic
impacts on fishermen? How important are fisheries as food sources around the world? How great
is the risk – are environmentalists exaggerating?
II.
Toxic Metals: Follow this link to learn more about toxic metals and other dangerous substances in
the water: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/shorelines/about/shorelineecology/toxins.aspx. Research about heavy metals and other pollutants - what are they? Where do
they come from? How do they affect our health and the health of the lake or ocean ecosystem?
What is biomagnification? What can we do to reduce these types of pollutants?
IV.
Living With Lakes: Follow this link to the page “Living With Lakes”:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/lakes/facts/garden.aspx What are some of the
dangers to the lake ecosystem from runoff from private property? What steps can homeowners
take to reduce these dangers? What steps are homeowners or contractors legally required to take
when involved in building or other major landscaping projects here on Mercer Island?
V.
Wastewater Treatment: How is wastewater (sewage) treated to reduce its harmful effects on the
environment? Where is wastewater treated in the Lake Washington area? Where is Mercer
Island’s wastewater treated? What are primary and secondary treatments? What happens to
wastewater after it is treated in our area? Start here: http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/wtd.aspx
VI.
Ocean Acidification: To learn about a more global issue that is also affecting the Northwest, follow
the link to this Seattle Times story about ocean acidification: http://apps.seattletimes.com/reports/seachange/2013/sep/11/pacific-ocean-perilous-turn-overview/
What is causing it? How does it affect marine organisms? What effect is it having on the Northwest
economy? What can be done about it? You can also download a video related to ocean
acidification on my website.
VII.
Global Climate Change: Closely related to Ocean Acidification due to increased atmospheric CO2 is
the topic of global climate change. How will changes in global temperature affect ecosystems,
weather patterns, climate, etc.? What will be the impacts on agriculture, coastal areas, etc.?
VIII.
Mining: Our global economy is dependent on extracting mineral resources from the earth’s surface,
but this process has significant negative impacts on the health of ecosystems and sometimes on
people who live near mines. Choose one particular ore which is mined (such as Copper, Gold,
Coal, etc.). What are the different methods for mining, what are their pros and cons, and what can
be done to minimize their negative effects?
IX.
Deforestation: Cutting down forests provides resources for building new homes and infrastructure,
as well as providing jobs and clearing land for development and agriculture. It also destroys
habitat, contributes to global warming and increases the risks of flooding and landslides in nearby
communities. How can the negative effects of logging be reduced?
X.
Hunting keystone species: There have been several keystone species such as sea otters and wolfs
that have been hunted to dangerously low numbers which has had dramatic effects on the
ecosystem due to the important role they play within it. How can their populations be maintained or
repopulated to help keep a healthy ecosystem as well as meet the needs of those who desire to
decrease the population (such as hunters or livestock owners)? Explain the important role these
species have in the ecosystem and why their populations have been in danger. Choose a particular
species to focus on and a case study which relates to what has or could be done to help the
ecosystem.
XI.
Invasive species: Introducing non-native species to an ecosystem can have dramatic effects and
had been a major factor causing a decrease in biodiversity. What is biodiversity? What is an
invasive species and how can it have a negative effect on an ecosystem? Provide some examples
of introduced species in the Pacific Northwest and outline the effects it has had on the ecosystem.
What efforts have been done to help remove or reduce introduced species?
X.
Storm drain run-off: One of the most harmful sources of pollution comes from the roads around us.
A recent local study showed that road run-off was so toxic to salmon that they could not survive for
longer than 2 hours in water that had been contaminated with it. What is in the storm water that is
so toxic? What effects does it have in our local waters? What possible solutions are there for this
major problem?
Don’t like any of these topics? Come up with your own! Before beginning your research, get your topic
approved by your instructor.
Due Date: Presentations will be made in class the week of October 20th.
You will be graded on full participation by all group members, thoroughness and accuracy of your
research, and the extent to which you tie in the 4 points of focus listed in step # 3 on the previous
page.