Introduction
Do bodies decompose in Lake Superior? It may seem like a strange topic to examine, but it is an important question to answer. Indeed, polls conducted in the Great Lakes region suggest that many people are unaware of what happens to their body after death and the legalities involved in disposing of bodies. Given the vastness of Lake Superior, it is not surprising that it is a viable option for disposing of a deceased body. This article will examine the process of decomposition within Lake Superior, the legalities involved in body disposal, and the environmental effects that decomposed bodies have on the ecosystem.
Process of Decomposition
Decomposition is a natural process whereby the human body breaks down over time. The rate of decomposition depends on the conditions within which the body is placed into the water. Generally, if conditions are submerged in cold waters such as Lake Superior, the body will experience a slower rate of decomposition in comparison to being submerged in warmer water. Additionally, how a body is deposited into the water can also affect the rate of decay. For example, creating a sealed environment in which oxygen cannot enter will slow down the rate of decomposition.
In Lake Superior, bodies typically take 1-2 years to decompose. Of course, at this rate of decomposition, the body will eventually disappear; however, there are certain by-products of the body’s decomposition that remain within the water over time. For example, when the human body decomposed, it releases certain fatty acids and amino acids, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus, into the water.
Legalities Involved in Body Disposal
When it comes to disposing of a deceased body in Lake Superior, there are various legalities involved. Bodies can only be disposed of when a death certificate is issued, it is illegal to dispose of a body prior to this. Additionally, the family or next of kin of the deceased must file a request to the government in order to receive permission to dispose of the body in the lake. This process can take some time, as the government must first conduct an investigation to ensure that the body is not being disposed of for any criminal or malicious intent.
Furthermore, the disposal of bodies within Lake Superior must adhere to certain regulations. For instance, bodies must not be disposed of within publicly accessible areas, as this could be dangerous and invasive to those who come in contact with the body. Additionally, bodies must be placed in an appropriate containers and be securely fastened prior to disposal.
Environmental Effects of Decomposed Bodies
The presence of a decomposed body in a body of water, such as Lake Superior, can have negative effects on the environment. When a body decomposes, it releases particular chemicals, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, into the water which can act as fertilizers and cause eutrophication of the water, an occurrence which can lead to the death of flora and fauna species. Furthermore, decomposed bodies can also disrupt the oxygen levels in the water, as the decomposition process is anaerobic and requires oxygen to occur; additionally, the presence of a decomposed body in the water can attract bacteria and insect life which can further upset the ecosystem of Lake Superior.
Valuable Resources
Given the potential environmental harm that the disposal of bodies in Lake Superior can have, it is important to understand the various options for responsible body disposal. One way to dispose of a deceased body without causing negative environmental consequences is through cremation. This method does not involve any chemicals or pollutants and does not require a large amount of energy in order to be done. Additionally, cremation of bodies is particularly affordable, making it a safe and viable alternative to disposing of bodies in Lake Superior.
Health Implications
Another important consideration to make when discussing the disposal of a body in Lake Superior is the potential health implications. When a body is left in water to decompose, the bacteria and other organisms that the body attracts can lead to a harmful and potentially hazardous environment. Additionally, the release of nitrogen and phosphorus into the surrounding environment can lead to potentially dangerous conditions for any individuals who come in contact with it.
Pros and Cons
When looking at the question of disposing bodies in Lake Superior, it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. On the positive side, disposing bodies in Lake Superior can be relatively quick and cost-effective. Additionally, the process does not involve the release of any hazardous chemicals into the environment. On the other hand, the disposal of bodies can have a negative environmental impact on the Great Lakes region. Furthermore, it can be difficult for family members to accept the notion of their loved one’s body being left to decompose in this way.
Scientific Research
The field of research examining the effects of bodies decomposing in large bodies of water, such as Lake Superior, is relatively new. Scientists have only in the past decade conducted studies to understand the implications of this process. One such study conducted by a team of experts showed that the release of nitrogen and phosphorus from a human cadaver can lead to an increase in algal growth around the water. Furthermore, the study also showed that the presence of a decomposed body can disrupt the natural cleansing of the water, leading to an accumulation of pollutants.
Conclusion
It is clear that the disposal of bodies in Lake Superior is both a legal and environmental concern. The process of decomposition can have negative environmental implications, such as the release of dangerous chemicals into the water and the disruption of the natural balance of the ecosystem. As such, it is important to understand and weigh up the various pros and cons associated with disposing of a body in Lake Superior. Additionally, it is worth noting that scientific research into this topic is still relatively new and there may be further unknown effects of disposing bodies in the lake that have yet to be discovered.
