Dissolved+Solids

Dissolved Solids

Streams and rivers carry some of their sediment loads as dissolved loads. Some of the dissolved load enters the water as it flows over the riverbed. Most of the load enters the stream or river from groundwater.

Calcium is a critical element in the fishes' bones and mollusks' shells. Another common element is silicon, which is used in microscopic organisms called dictoms to make their shells and by sponges to form their spicules. Also contained in these streams and rivers is a high quantity of phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, which are important elements in the growth of plants.

Excessive amounts of these elements can help stimulate algae and plant growth. Excessive algal growth is also referred to as algal bloom. These algal blooms deplete dissolved oxygen levels in the water and result in the tragic death of many organisms.




 * How does the factor affect wildlife?**

Excessive amounts of these elements can help stimulate algae and plant growth. Excessive algal growth is also referred to as algal bloom. These algal blooms deplete dissolved oxygen levels in the water and result in the tragic death of many organisms. These organisms could potentially have major effects on the environment. Some of these organisms could be food for other, larger organisms, and their absence will result in the death of many larger organisms. Also, the lack of oxygen does not just affect larger organisms. Since every organism needs oxygen to some extent (a fact one generally learns in second grade science class) it can also kill smaller bacteria that have major effects on the temperature of the water and the general surrounding ecosystem. Their absence can drastically change the environment to a potentially hazardous state,


 * So, this can hurt humans?**

Not generally, as long as you don't go around getting your drinking water directly from a random stream. That is generally a bad idea. However, it can harm many animals, which is obviously a very tragic situation. Those fish had families!

Humans are evil creatures. What we find fun, such as playing harmlessly in a stream, can actually have disastrous effects on the organisms around us. We can alter the flow of the dissolved solids in the stream, impacting the environment in ways that we could never intend to.
 * How have human activities impacted this factor?**


 * So, what can we do?**

With the assistance of our knowledge and vitality, we can truly aspire to make our streams the free-flowing and wondrous examples of amazing wildlife that they should be.

FOR THE STREAMS!