Write a 250 to 350 word response to the following:
· If you were an environmental researcher and were given funding to assist with one environmental issue, which of the following topics would you choose to spend your funds on? (I encourage you to use the same specific issue you are using on your paper.)
o Human population
o Atmospheric pollution
o Water resources
o Terrestrial resources
o Energy issue (not conservation)
· Describe a specific issue (i.e. an oil spill, pollution in a specific area, an endangered species, etc) and the environmental impacts.
· Research and provide a brief description of at least two different strategies/technologies that have been utilized or are being developed to combat this issue.
· What influenced your choice? Does it relate to your local area? What would be the goal of your
How would you like us to help you with this assignment?
Help me in an idea or where I can get some information?
Which environmental issue are you using in your paper?
Water resources
http://water.usgs.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_resources
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Peace/water2.html
http://www.wateryear2003.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=4874&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
If I were an environmental researcher given funding to assist with one environmental issue, I would choose to spend my funds on water resources. Water is a vital resource that is essential for all living organisms and plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Additionally, water scarcity and contamination are pressing global issues that require immediate attention and action.
One specific issue related to water resources is the contamination of freshwater bodies due to industrial pollution. Industrial activities often release harmful chemicals and pollutants into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, leading to the degradation of water quality and posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
To combat this issue, two strategies/technologies that have been utilized or are being developed are:
1. Water treatment plants: This is an established technology used to purify contaminated water before it is supplied for domestic or industrial use. Water treatment plants typically involve various processes such as coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to remove pollutants and harmful microorganisms. Advanced techniques like reverse osmosis and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection are also employed for more effective purification.
2. Bioremediation: This is an emerging technology that utilizes natural organisms to degrade pollutants in water. Microorganisms like bacteria and fungi can break down toxic compounds into harmless byproducts through metabolic processes. Bioremediation can be applied in situ (at the contamination site) or ex situ (in a controlled environment) and offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach to remediate contaminated water.
My choice of focusing on water resources is influenced by its global significance and relevance to my local area. Water scarcity and contamination are significant concerns worldwide, and promoting sustainable water management practices is crucial to safeguarding our ecosystems and ensuring a reliable water supply for communities. Identifying and implementing effective strategies to combat water pollution and promote responsible water use would be the primary goal of my research.
In conclusion, allocating funding to tackle water resources would allow me to address the urgent issue of water contamination, implement strategies like water treatment plants and bioremediation, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient water future for both my local area and the global community.