Problem outline
The stream water levels reduce during summer mainly due to the climatic changes that have taken toll in the environment. Pernetta (1994) states that, the global warming is affecting most climates and resulting to droughts that occur frequently. The observation made is that some droughts, which have been occurring since the early 1970’s, are to blame for the declining ground water levels. These have led to problems with water shortage with some area experiencing major problems.
The scum observed in the stream can be because of two things as will be shown. One of them is that maybe the introduction of chemicals from factories has polluted the stream leading to the scum formation. Zhen-Gang (2008) found that, the second reason could be due to the free-floating algae in the stream that thrive during the warm temperatures of summer and the ideal sunlight. The algae will flourish almost to the surface of the stream and this may appear like scum that is easy to notice.
Approximately one week later, a reddish film formed towards the surface of the stream and it affected a large area. Sheath and Cole (1990) have shown that, as bloom of the algae continues the water may appear to develop a reddish film. This is mainly because the algae have reached the required population where some may begin to collapse. As they die, the cells settle to the bottom of the stream and release organic nitrogen and phosphorous and the former appears reddish in the water. The water from this stream turns toxic to animals and the Green pond solutions have explained this situation, which points out that the algae, competes for oxygen with the organisms beneath them such as the fish (Zhen-Gang, 2008).
This is harmful and may lead to death of the fish in the stream. The algae in this case as explained by Sheath and Cole (1990), is the species of algae that is toxic to animals than it is to human beings, wildlife and even the livestock that may drink water from the pond.
Procedure used
The main procedure that helped to explain the problem is through the thorough reading of scientific material to draw the knowledge behind some of the occurrences in the stream. The information originated from articles that point out similar occurrences in the water stream and hence derived the relationships.
The second procedure was to visit streams around the area and interview people about the various changes that they may observe in the water streams when summer occurs. The various observations made from the different people is collected and the conclusions begin to be drawn relating to the problem at hand. Most of the people gave valid information that is useful and reliable with no bias.
The other most important procedure was that, after establishing a water stream that exhibited most of the signs as those in our problem after summer, samples collected from the stream were for laboratory use for further investigation to produce the findings that the problem is based upon.
The procedure to establish various ways of tackling this problem was the next to be undertaken and part of the solution was found with some environmental scientists who offered to provide some of their mechanisms to be used in the water stream as a way of assisting the study of this problem. This solved the problem of the dying fish in the water stream considerably and there were no chances of experiencing the same problem later.
Methods of solving the problem
The only way to control the water levels of the water stream is simply by countering effects the global warming brings. It is advisable to plant trees near the water stream to prevent excess evaporation of the water during summer and to serve as rain attractors.
The control of free-floating algae can be through the establishment of a shadow such as the one that the trees in the water stream forms. Other methods apply such as the use of pond algaecides in extreme cases though control is necessary to ensure that there in minimal pollution in the water. Using advanced technologies, a sterilizer that uses ultra-violet rays help to eliminate the algae.
According to News-USA, Inc (2011), the death of organisms in the water stream, especially the fish that the overlying scum causes living filters in the water stream can help to reduce it. The system aims at treating the water in the case of chemical pollution by increasing the microbial activities beneath the water. The introduction of a particular moss helps to do this, which creates the favorable conditions for the organisms to carry out the microbial activities and continue living.
Fields of science consulted
The various fields consulted were the aquatic science that explained the death of the fish, agricultural science that showed the various ways that the planting of trees might be effective in solving the problem and the field of biology that explained the microbial activities and their relation to life continuity.
References
A History Lesson for the World, Artificial Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment (AWTS), News-USA, Inc, Web.
Pernetta, J., 1994. Impact of climate change on ecosystems and species. IUCN: Gland.
Sheath, R. and Cole, K., 1990. Biology of the red algae. Cambridge: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge.
Zhen-Gang, J., 2008. Hydrodynamics and water quality: modeling rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Hoboken: John Wiley &Sons, Inc.