Other Lake Issues
Un-encapsulated Styrofoam (Polystyrene)
Despite the many concerns about the unencapsulated blue styrofoam used for dock flotation, it is still widely used. It starts to breakdown when waterlogged or from long-term sunlight exposure, and some mammals like to chew on it as well. It is often found floating in the water or washed up on shore and is a source of pollution in our lakes and ponds.
Polystyrene is banned in some parts of the country but there are no state or local bans in New Hampshire. There are alternatives including encapsulated foam which helps protect the environment and will save homeowners money in the long run as it lasts longer.
In the photo above, the polystyrene is encapsulated in a hard shell so it doesn’t breakdown and pollute the waterbody.
Blue foam used for dock flotation found littered along the shores of Lake Sunapee. Photo by Norm Dalton.
Click here to read an article from the Camden Conservation Commission about the problem with unencapsulated foam (Maine).
Terrestrial Invasives
In addition to the concerns about aquatic invasive species, wetland and terrestrial invasive species can also pose a threat to water quality. The vegetative cover of a watershed stabilizes soils and provides the habitat and food sources for the species that live there. In general, animal species have evolved with - and adapted to - native plant communities. When an invasive species moves in, habitats and food sources can be altered and sometimes entire ecosystems are altered. Native animal and plant species sometimes adapt. However, sometimes the native species cannot adapt and they may be eliminated from the ecosystem.
Two well-known invasive wetland plant species are common reed (Phragmites australis) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Once established in a wetlands area, these species are extremely difficult to control or remove and over time, they tend to dominate and eliminate other plant species.
Common Lake Phenomenon
Other topics
Phragmites photo courtesy of NHDES
Microplastics
Another concern is recent findings of microplastics (plastic fragments from larger plastic debris & clothing) and microbeads being found in our lakes, ponds, rivers and oceans. Microbeads are very small pellets of plastic added to some skin cleaning products and toothpaste (click here for a list). A study found 1900 microscopic plastic threads (captured by a filter) that were shed after washing one fleece garment.
Microplastics, scientists are discovering, are harmful to wildlife as they absorb toxins found in the environment and are ingested by small filter-feeding animals. These animals are in turn eaten by larger predators and on it goes up the food web. Plastic waste in the environment isn't magically breaking down and disappearing but are degrading into ever smaller plastic bits that are turning up in unexpected places. Recent studies found microplastics in supermarket fish, 24 brands of beer and in table salt!
Albatross filled with plastic. Photo by Chris Jordan
What You Can Do
Avoid cosmetics and beauty products that contain microbeads (click here for a list)
Reduce your use of plastic products especially single-use items - buy used goods
Shop at farmers markets to reduce plastic food packaging
Wear clothing made out of 100% natural fiber (plant & animal such as cotton and wool)
Use reusable cotton bags when shopping
Support efforts to reduce and recycle plastics in our environment