Purpose
This lab report focuses on the effects of technology on the ecosystem. The experiment aims to address the impact of human development on the sustainability of groundwater.
Introduction
Human advancement and migration stimulates the accumulation of waste deposits and landfills. This aggregation of waste to the landfill is a threat to groundwater and the environment (Mitra, 2015). However, with the continual human development, such as irrigation and agricultural practices, groundwater depletion has become a growing concern (Velis, Conti, & Biermann, 2017). Consequently, an increase in the human population puts pressure on freshwater by increasing land use for agriculture. These practices, if not addressed, would affect groundwater sustainability.
Hypothesis/Predicted Outcome
Based on the above assumption, groundwater depletion and contamination are possible if activities of human development are not regulated.
Method
The lab examined the human impact on groundwater sustainability. Data was examined from different periods to ascertain the progression of human industrialization and development. The researchers evaluated data from three periods, which include the 1800s, 1900s, and 2000s.
Results/Outcome
The study examined three periods from 1800 to 2000. In 1800, the impact of human activities on the environment was small, with limited housing. As a result, there were large forests, lots of groundwater, no salt-water intrusion, small farm settlements, and few human activities. By the 20th century, the human population increased geometrically. The need for groundwater for irrigation farming and drinking stimulates salt-water intrusion and contamination. As a result, the rate of freshwater depletion is higher than it was in the eighteenth century.
Discussion/Analysis
The analysis showed that ecosystem depletion is an ongoing activity. The rate of urbanization, agricultural development, and food scarcity drive the volume of water utilization. Such activities affect freshwater production and the environment. Thus, the result confirms my hypothesis on the need to reduce human activity and development. There is a need to diversify human activities to enforce practices that would help replenish the environment. Efforts must be geared to increase the rate of transpiration and percolation. This strategy would create the needed activity to stimulate groundwater recharge.
References
Mitra, S. (2015). Groundwater sustainability: A brief review. International Journal of Ecosystem, 5(3), 43-46. Web.
Velis, M., Conti, K., & Biermann, F. (2017). Groundwater and human development: Synergies and trade-offs within the context of the sustainable development goals. Sustainability Science, 12(6), 1007-1017.