The Harmful Effects of Red Tides

â€Å"Red tide† is the common name for what scientists now prefer to call â€Å"harmful algae blooms.† Harmful algae blooms (HAB) are the sudden proliferation of one or more species of microscopic plants (algae or phytoplankton), which live in the ocean and produce neurotoxins that can cause negative and sometimes fatal effects in fish, birds, marine mammals, and even humans. There are approximately 85 species of aquatic plants that can cause harmful algae blooms. In high concentrations, some HAB species can turn the water a reddish color, which is the source of the name red tide. Other species can turn the water green, brown, or purple, while others, although highly toxic, do not discolor the water at all. Most species of algae or phytoplankton are beneficial, not harmful. They are essential elements in the foundation of the global food chain. Without them, higher life forms, including humans, would not exist and could not survive. Human Causes Red tides are caused by the rapid multiplication of dinoflagellates, a type of phytoplankton. There is no single cause of red tides or other harmful algae blooms, though abundant nourishment must be present in seawater to support the explosive growth of dinoflagellates. A common source of nutrients is water pollution. Scientists generally believe that coastal pollution from human sewage, agricultural runoff, and other sources contributes to red tides, along with rising ocean temperatures. On the Pacific coast of the United States, for example, red tide occurrences have been increasing since about 1991. Scientists have correlated the increase of Pacific red tides, and other harmful algae blooms, with a rise in ocean temperature of approximately one degree Celsius as well as increased nutrients in coastal waters from sewage and fertilizers. On the other hand, red tides and harmful algae blooms sometimes occur where there is no apparent link to human activity. Currents and Other Causes Another way nutritive materials are brought to surface waters is by powerful, deep currents along coastlines. These currents, called upwellings, come from nutrient-rich bottom layers of the ocean and bring to the surface massive amounts of deep-water minerals and other nourishing matter. It appears that wind-driven, near-coast upwelling events are more likely to bring the right types of nutrients to cause large-scale harmful blooms, while current-generated, offshore upwellings seem to lack some necessary elements. Some red tides and harmful algae blooms along the Pacific coast also have been associated with cyclical El Nià ±o weather patterns, which are influenced by global climate change. Interestingly, it appears that iron deficiencies in seawater may limit the ability of dinoflagellates to take advantage of the abundant nutrients present. The inverse of such deficiencies occurs at times in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Florida. There, large amounts of dust blown west from Africas Sahara Desert, thousands of miles away, settle on the water during rain events. This dust is believed to contain significant amounts of iron, enough reverse the waters iron deficiencies and to trigger large red tide events. Effects on Human Health Most people who become ill from exposure to the toxins in harmful algae do so by eating contaminated seafood, particularly shellfish. However, toxins from some harmful algae can also infect people by spreading through the air. The most common human health problems associated with red tides and other harmful algae blooms are various types of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurological disorders. The natural toxins in harmful algae can cause a variety of illnesses. Most develop rapidly after exposure occurs and are characterized by severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches. Most people recover within a few days, though some illnesses linked to harmful algae blooms can be fatal. Effects on Animal Populations Most shellfish filter seawater to collect their food. As they eat, they may consume toxic phytoplankton and accumulate toxins in their flesh, eventually becoming dangerous, even deadly, to fish, birds, animals, and humans. The shellfish themselves are unaffected by the toxins. Harmful algae blooms and subsequent shellfish contamination can cause massive fish kills. The dead fish continue to be health hazards after their death because of the risk that they will be eaten by birds or marine mammals. Tourism and Fishing Red tides and other harmful algae blooms have serious economic as well as health impacts. Coastal communities that rely heavily on tourism often lose millions of dollars when dead fish wash up on beaches, tourists fall ill, or shellfish warnings are issued because of harmful algae blooms. Commercial fishing and shellfish businesses lose income when shellfish beds are closed, or harmful algae toxins contaminate their fish. Charter boat operators are also affected, receiving numerous cancellations even when the waters they typically fish are not affected by the harmful algae blooms. Economic Impacts Tourism, recreation, and other industries may be adversely affected even though they are not directly hurt by the algae. When a bloom is reported, many people grow cautious, even though most water activities are safe during red tides and other harmful algae blooms. Calculating the actual economic cost of red tides and other harmful algae blooms is difficult, and not many figures exist. One study of three harmful algae blooms that took place in the 1970s and 1980s estimated losses of $15 million to $25 million for each of the three red tides. After adjusting for inflation, economists estimate the cost of HABs to be significantly higher in today’s dollars.

American Muscle Speech Essay - 957 Words

Title: American muscle Purpose: After listening to my speech my audience will be familiar with the three American muscles of the 60’s. Thesis: Although there were many American Muscles cars created in the 60’s only three were widely recognized. I. Introduction A. Attention Getter: A loud roar is heard in the distance as the driver revs his engine. Eight cylinders of Intense power with its five speed transmission. Cars that are meant to be raced and compared to each other. In an adrenaline pumping race of performance. According to Fast Muscle by Gabbard and Gabbard, â€Å"The decade began with Ford, GM, and Chrysler in an expanding cubic inch and horsepower war. C. Thesis statement: Although there were many†¦show more content†¦Mustang had a sleek design that everybody liked. It was two doors, big tire, and stripes running down the hood. As stated by the book muscle cars, â€Å"the main selling point what was under the hood it was the magnificent styling that caught America’s attention and made mustang one of the most successful first year cars ever with more than 100,000 sold.† When released it only cost 2300 dollars. III. Mustang kept on developing through the 60’s getting bigger engines and more sleek design. They made the cobra jet and Mach 1. Then the super cobra jet and the boss. And many more each one getting faster and more expensive. IIII. After all these year there is one car that is widely known it is a mustang. Transition: â€Å"rev your engine and shift into gear for GM’s company.† B. GM motor company 1. History I. The founder of GM is William Durant he started the company in September 16, 1908. GM at first was not to into the whole cars But horse pulled. They have five different production lines. 2. Camaro I. In 1966 GM finally answered back to the Mustang with their Camaro Line. II. When fist created the Camaro line had more option with their Engines. Unlike mustangs Camaro had appearance and performance. The first model of Camaro was the SS or the super sport it had a 350 cubic inch engine with 295 horse power which is about 14 more than theShow MoreRelatedThe Ethical and Clinical Responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathologists1498 Words   |  6 PagesThe scope of practice of speech-language pathology describes the ethical and clinical responsibility of clinicians to implement therapy techniques, which contains efficacy that is supported by evidence. Non-speech oral-motor exercises (NSOMEs), in particular have raised controversy among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and researchers when treating children with articulation and phonological disorders. The use of NSOMEs is a debated issue in the profession due to the lack of evidence based practiceRead MoreHcs 212 Healthcare Resources - Rehabilitation Services1318 Words   |  6 Pagesrehabilitation discipline. 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Crystal Cave Essay Example For Students

Crystal Cave Essay People or events that appear very briefly in life may have dramatic effects onthe lives of people they touch upon. Basketball coaches from the junior highschool level often influence their athletes to take up playing basketball intheir high school career. Dying friends often compel people to conduct researchand dedicate their lives to the study of medicine. Galapas short stint withMerlin turns Merlins life around in the novel, The Crystal Cave by MaryStewart. From the beginning, Galapas was an influential figure in young Merlinslife. Galapas is an old man with a mysterious past. He possesses great knowledgeof the arts, sciences, and magic. Merlin first met him when he was wandering thecountryside with his horse, Aster. Galapas soon becomes his teacher and mentor,in spite of Merlins already having a conventional tutor. In time, he shares allof his knowledge and wisdom with Merlin. He taught me practical things,too; how to gather herbs and dry them to keep, how to use them for medicines,.. . poisons. He made me study the beasts and birds, . . . and-with the deaddeer-I learnt about the organs and bones of the body. . . The map Galapas showedme was a copy from a book by Ptolemy of Alexandria. (The Crystal Cave,Pgs. 59-60) Galapas also helps Merlin to put the meanings of his periodicvisions of the future and of events far away into action. Go? But if I goback, theyll kill me, or shut me up. . . Wont they?. . . You can no more behidden now, than your merlin could go back into its egg. (The CrystalCave, Pg. 100) At the end of Merlins adventures with Ambrosius, his father andEmperor, he returns to the Crystal Cave to seek out Galapas. Nearby the cave, ina patch of grass, Galapas bones are scattered about in the dirt. Merlin layshis bones down to rest in the proper fashion and begins to occupy the cave; justlike Galapas used to. Merlin studies and meditates in the Crystal Cave with hisservant, Cadal. My books had come form Less Britain; the great chest wasbacked against the wall of the cave, where Galapas box had been. . . I waswearing my oldest clothes, a tunic with grass stains that not even Cadal couldremove, and my mantle was burred and pulled by thorns and brambles. My sandalswere of canvas like a slaves. . . Compared even with the plainly dressed youngmen. . . I must look like a beggar. (The Crystal Cave, Pgs. 396, 400) Hebecomes older, grizzled looking, and wiser in the cave and soon becomes a mirrorimage of Galapas. Thus, Galapas still has a great impact on Merlins life evenafter his death. Therefore, Galapas short time with young Merlin took at firmgrasp on his life and helped shape it even beyond the grave. At an early age,Merlin is introduced to the fine arts and sciences and magic. Later in life,Merlin returns to find Galapas, but in turn finds Galapas in himself and becomesa facsimile of Galapas. Galapas is truly a stepping stone in the advancement ofMerlins personality.

Simple Plan †free essay sample

Simple Plan first captured our hearts with catchy pop-punk anthems sure to speak to any teenager. â€Å"Perfect† gave hope to us with parents who just didnt understand. â€Å"Id Do Anything† spoke to that one person wed do anything to get back in our lives. And of course, â€Å"Welcome to My Life† and â€Å"Im Just a Kid† perfectly describe the hardships of being a teenager. Now, the fabulous five are back with a new album and a whole new style. Simple Plans third studio album is a slight step away from their punk roots. Fans were undoubtedly shocked to hear the night club-esque beats that introduced â€Å"When Im Gone,† the first track (and first single). But even amidst the hip-hop beats and electro-rock guitar riffs, traces of Simple Plan can still be found, giving the album comfort regardless of the break from their traditional style. â€Å"When Im Gone† is followed by the fast-paced rock song â€Å"Take My Hand,† which cannot be heard without toe-tapping and head-bopping. We will write a custom essay sample on Simple Plan – or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The rest of the CD doesnt fail to deliver much-needed karaoke opportunities. From soft rock ballads like â€Å"I Can Wait Forever† to funky rock jams like â€Å"Generation† to familiar pop-punk territory like â€Å"Time to Say Goodbye,† the band keeps fans on their toes, changing and experimenting while remaining Simple Plan. Although the CD â€Å"Simple Plan† is not what anyone expected from these punk heroes, it will unquestionably please old fans while charming a new generation of fans as well.