Testing Chloride Concentration in South Florida Canal Research Paper

Testing Chloride Concentration in South Florida Canal - Research Paper Example The topographical dimension of South Florida occupies a relatively low-lying carbonated region. The rainfall pattern is relief with low rainfall distribution of 10mm over a region of 100 kilometers. The region also lies on a bedrock majorly composed of carbonate material; this is believed to have been formed over 120,000 years ago. During this time, it is believed that the sea level was approximately 10 meters above the current level. The canals of South Florida are basically Wetlands, which form an important part of the ecosystem. Research has indicated that the current South Florida Canals are facing a major crisis owing to increasing concentration of chlorine and other chemicals in the water bodies. Specifically, combined effects of agriculture and urban activities have had a significant impact on the waters of the South Florida Canal for a period of over 100 years. Apart from projected hyper-salinity in the various water bodies of South Florida Canal, there are factors that have contributed massively towards the deterioration of this natural resource. The first factor is the eutrophication of the wetlands with phosphoric materials. Additionally, past researches have shown that the aquatic life of the wetlands have undergone degradation owing to increased rate of pollution by methyl-mercury. Moreover, there is evidence that anthropogenic activities along the wetlands in the South Florida Canal have contributed to the increased frequency at, which the wetlands dry and affected the natural water flows along the canal.