Farming is a major industry in Oklahoma.
The state of Oklahoma shares many of the same environmental problems found throughout the United States, with others reflecting the unique history and biodiversity of the area. The state has a wide diversity of ecosystems, from small mountain ranges to short-grass prairies to forests. Since Oklahoma is a major producer of natural gas and agriculture, environmental problems are likely.
Historic Perspective
Past land use practices continue to impact Oklahoma in 2010. Smelter facilities are found throughout the state. The Blackwell Zinc company is an example of an historic operation, long closed, yet still impacting the environment today. The facility processed zinc and cadmium. This operation introduced the chemicals used in the process to refine metal into the soil and surface water. Cadmium accumulates in plant and animal tissue, causing long-term environmental effects. Human consumption of meat from animals with high concentrations of cadmium can cause kidney disease, liver disease and high blood pressure.
Significance
Several Oklahoma ecosystems have been lost since European settlement in the area. Over 80 percent of bottomland hardwood forests of eastern Oklahoma and over 60 percent of wetlands in Oklahoma have been lost between the 1780s and 1980s. With these losses comes the reduction of available habitat for plant and animal species. Mussel populations in southeastern Oklahoma, for example, have been on the decline, with 19 species having been identified that are of special conservation interest.
Issues Affecting Water Resources
A serious issue affecting Oklahoma water resources is algal blooms. Shallow waters are most susceptible to this occurrence. An algal bloom is an explosion of algae growth that occurs when conditions are right for plant growth. The danger of algal blooms lies with the type of algae. Blue green algae or cyanobacteria can release toxins into the water which can cause liver and central nervous system damage in humans. Pets and livestock are also vulnerable.
Land Use Issues
Agriculture is the primary cause of water pollution, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The prairie ecosystems lend themselves well to rangeland for livestock. However, surface water runoff can introduce bacteria and other organic waste into streams and lakes. Surface water runoff also contaminates soils.
Prevention/Solution
Many of the environmental problems facing Oklahoma require long-term solutions. Clean-up and continued environmental monitoring of the effects of past industry is an on-going effort by the state government and the EPA. Homeowners can protect their natural resources by making good choices regarding their impact on the environment. Using phosphorus-free fertilizers, for example, can prevent deadly algal blooms. Maintaining native vegetation, especially around streams, can help prevent flooding.
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