Waterways in Cape Cod Face Crisis

The rising of nitrogen levels in Cape Cod are causing not only vacationers to fret but natives as well. The waters and beaches of Cape Cod are polluted !The waters are so polluted with algae and seaweed that both Cape Cods economy and its fishing industries are suffering. The article states that more than 60 ponds and estuaries are effected by this pollution. But surprisingly this is nothing new to Cape Coders. “This is the biggest environmental issue the cape has ever faced,” said Environmentalist Maggie Geist . “And for a long time it’s been a hidden problem.” That long time being 30 years!

The cause of all this pollution leads to one element- nitrogen. Researchers say that the nitrogen came from septic system wastewater. This is relevant to biology/science because the nitrogen, in excess amounts, could do very harmful things to the environment. Some including the killing off of fishes in the pond and not to mention the warmer waters. For example, the surplus of algae can eliminate eelgrass. Eelgrass is where the scallops grow.

People would want to know about this because it is their beaches and ponds that are being polluted. The problem is so easy to prevent but has gotten so out of hand. Locals go swimming and fishing in the polluted waters and it is only right that they know what is really happening under their noses. Simple efforts like cultivating a stronger waste management or just simple flushing the toilet properly can make a big difference.

SOURCE: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/18/us/18nitrogen.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general