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This week I read the article "Beneath MN's Surface." I was surprised to learn that there were any deadly water amoeba as far north as Minnesota, because I had heard that they needed especially warm conditions to survive, like in Florida or Texas. While it can definitely be disturbing or depressing to read articles like this, it is still important to know about the things they describe, and sometimes so we can remedy them. Video credit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pR7TNzJ_pA
One water parasite that Minnesota's waters may be becoming more hospitable towards is deadly water amoeba, or Naegleria fowleri. The amoeba causes amebic meningoencephalitis, by basically traveling up your nose and living in, eating, and infecting your brain. While I haven't yet learned about deadly water amoeba's effects on non-human organisms, it does change our environment by making us more wary of swimming in warm water. As far as what is creating a space for deadly water amoebas to show up in Minnesota, it is probably because of global warming, and the summer heat waves which increase the risk of contracting amebic meningoencephalitis.
Around August 31st, a mysterious oily red film appeared on the surface of Richfield Lake. It resembles no natural algae or plant product, and is currently unidentified. It's appearance was noted by many people living nearby, and one Brigit Johnson said "It was shiny and red. I just thought it looked scary." Initial tests by scientists did not identify the substance, and even now it has not been identified. Personally, from how it has been described, I have some ideas as to what it is. Since it is on the surface of the lake, it is probably lighter than water, and hydrophobic. My guess is that it's either some sort of discarded chemical substance or an oil-based paint or something similar, but it could always be taken to an analytic chemist to know for sure. The article does not suggest that it probably won't affect humans, because Richfield's drinking water does not come from the lake. However, it still may affect some of the aquatic life in the lake. Hopefully, though, since it isn't a naturally produced substance, it should be a one-time occurrence.
The importance of determining water quality is so that we can know how pure and good the water we are using to drink and swim in is, as well as the water we use for other things, like boating or sailing. As water-conscious citizens, I think all should be aware of the quality of water that is their community. If a source of water is compromised it could negatively affect the health of both humans (especially those who are less wealthy, because they may not be affording personal house filters or purified bottles water)and many other animals. Finally, one way I could advocate for clean water is by working with my family to buy less toxic products, knowing that some of it will end up in the groundwater.
