Sedimentation is a natural process where fine particles, such as soil and debris, are carried by water and deposited in different locations. Unfortunately, human activities have greatly increased sedimentation, leading to serious problems for water quality in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
One of the most noticeable effects of excess sediment is “turbidity,” or cloudiness in the water. When sediment particles are suspended in water, they scatter light, making it harder for sunlight to reach deeper levels. This limits the ability of aquatic plants and algae to photosynthesize, which is how they produce oxygen. As a result, plant populations can decline, and oxygen levels in the water drop, resulting in a disruption of the entire food chain as fish and other animals that depend on these plants also suffer.
How Sediment Affects Aquatic Life
Turbid, or cloudy, water also makes it difficult for visual predators, such as fish and other animals, to find food. For filter-feeding creatures like shellfish and small invertebrates, suspended sediment can clog their feeding structures, making it harder for them to get the nutrients they need.
Excess sediment builds up on the bottoms of rivers, lakes, and streams, burying critical habitats for aquatic life. Many aquatic species rely on specific environments during different stages of their life cycles. For example, fish spawning grounds can become covered with sediment, suffocating bottom-dwelling organisms, and reducing populations of sensitive species.
Sediment also changes the shape of rivers and streams. This can affect water flow and depth, leading to more frequent and intense flooding. The loss of deeper areas in rivers can reduce the habitat available for fish and other aquatic life, disrupting the natural balance.
Sediment as a Carrier for Harmful Substances
Sediment can carry harmful substances like nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) and pollutants (pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals). While small amounts of nutrients are necessary for plant growth, too much can cause a process called eutrophication. This leads to an overgrowth of algae, which consumes oxygen and harms aquatic life.
Additionally, pollutants tend to stick to sediment particles. As sediment moves through water, it can transport these pollutants over long distances, contaminating previously clean areas. These pollutants can accumulate in the bodies of aquatic organisms, posing health risks to both wildlife and humans who consume them.
The Impact on Oxygen Levels
When organic matter in sediment decomposes, it uses up oxygen in the water. This can lead to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) or even no oxygen (anoxia) in certain areas, creating “dead zones” where fish and other organisms cannot survive.
Effective Sediment Control Practices are Essential
To prevent these harmful impacts on our water resources, effective sediment control is crucial.
Poor sediment control practices are responsible for sediment loading in lakes and rivers.
RoLanka International, based in Stockbridge, Georgia, offers high-quality, natural, and biodegradable products that help control sediment. RoLanka’s products not only prevent sediment transport but also offer an environmentally friendly solution that doesn’t harm wildlife. They are easy to install, improve soil quality, help establish vegetation, and are cost-effective. Additionally, they are aesthetically pleasing and do not create waste that needs to be sent to landfills.
To learn more about how RoLanka can help protect your water resources, visit www.rolanka.com.