Tag: Aquatic life

While it's a common misconception, kelp is not the sole ingredient of seaweed; in fact, kelp is a large type of brown seaweed. This means that while all kelp is a form of seaweed, not all seaweed is kelp. The term seaweed is a broad, umbrella category that includes over 10,000 species of marine macroalgae, ranging in color, size, and habitat.

In many freshwater ecosystems, phosphorus is the key limiting nutrient, but when it becomes overabundant due to human activity, it triggers devastating ecological consequences. This phenomenon reveals a critical paradox: what happens when there is too much of a limiting nutrient, disrupting the delicate balance of life it once controlled?.

According to the EPA, aeration is a fundamental process used in water treatment to improve water quality. The reason for aerated water depends heavily on its application, ranging from the refreshing fizz of a beverage to the ecological health of a pond.

According to the National Pesticide Information Center, copper sulfate is highly toxic to fish and aquatic life, often resulting in fish kills following application to ponds and lakes. The disadvantages of copper sulfate extend beyond aquatic organisms, impacting human health, beneficial bacteria, and the environment as a whole. This powerful chemical, though effective in some applications, carries significant risks that are often overlooked.

Over 67,000 species make up the diverse group of crustaceans to which shrimp belong. This often-debated topic asks: is shrimp an insect or a fish? The simple biological answer is that they are neither, but are in fact, crustaceans.

A single water lily plant can significantly improve a pond's ecosystem by providing shade and absorbing excess nutrients. Understanding the many benefits of water lilies can help you create a thriving, beautiful water garden.

According to the EPA, municipal drinking water should ideally have a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. So, what if the pH level of water is 9? A pH of 9 indicates water is moderately alkaline and can lead to various effects on taste, plumbing systems, and the environment.

A surprising fact of animal physiology is that fish, unlike birds or reptiles, do not excrete uric acid as their main nitrogenous waste product. This fundamental difference in metabolism explains how fish efficiently dispose of toxic ammonia and other waste, a critical process for survival in their aquatic environment.

Green water, in its various forms, plays a critical ecological role, with microalgae cultures providing a natural food source and bioremediation for farmed aquatic life. In contrast, green water in agriculture refers to rainwater absorbed by soil, highlighting its importance for crops. This concept of 'green water' extends beyond a simple algae bloom, representing a valuable resource in diverse contexts.

Millions of tons of salt are applied to roads in North America each winter, with much of it ending up in waterways, raising concerns: Is salt brine toxic?. The answer depends heavily on its source and concentration, presenting varying risks to humans, animals, and the environment depending on its specific application and composition.