Is Lake Huron Freshwater
An Overview
An Overview
Lake Huron is the second largest of the Great Lakes with a surface area of 23,000 square kilometres, stretching from Ontario to Michigan. Referred to as either the fifth or sixth largest lake in the world depending on the source, Lake Huron is the third largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world, being behind only Lake Superior and Lake Baikal. It is often grouped together with Lakes Michigan and Erie, forming the single largest freshwater system in the world.The water in Lake Huron is typically fresh-tasting, despite occasional algal blooms.
The Science Behind Lake Huron
According to scientists, at the start of the 21st century the average depth of Lake Huron was approximately 155 metres, although depths closer to two kilometres have been recorded. The total volume of water contained in the lake is approximately 5,500 cubic kilometres.
As for the water itself, Lake Huron is essentially composed of many different sources of water. The rivers that feed into the lake bring some saltier and more mineral-rich water from Lake Michigan and other portions of it are significantly influenced by human activities. A considerable amount of agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and treated sewage make their way from land into the lake’s waterways, where it can remain suspended for extended periods of time.
As a result of these different influences on the lake, the base salinity of Lake Huron ranges from about 0.7 to 0.9 parts per thousand. Although condensed freshwater may also contain minute traces of salt, freshwater is generally defined as containing less than 0.05 parts per thousand. Given this perspective, Lake Huron can be considered a freshwater lake.
Harmful Algal Blooms
Unfortunately, the combination of nutrients and warm, light-filled water associated with Lake Huron’s shallow areas can cause a number of environmental issues, including ecosystem damage and the growth of Harmful Algal Blooms.These algal blooms are made up of microscopic, single-celled organisms called cyanobacteria that can produce toxins. While the bacteria themselves may not be harmful, the toxins they produce can irritate skin and result in irritation of the eyes, throat, and lungs.In some cases, if these toxins are ingested, they can be very severe and even fatal.
Effect of Climate Change
As with many other freshwaters, Lake Huron is also subject to the effects of climate change. Over the past decades, Lake Huron has experienced a rise in temperature and a decrease in oxygen levels, impacting its ecology and the organisms that rely on the lake’s resources. As a result, the lake’s species composition is expected to change over time due to the impact of different environmental stressors.
The Value of Lake Huron
In addition to its ecological value, Lake Huron is also of obvious recreational and economic importance. Seen through the lens of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the value of Lake Huron can be estimated in terms of its recreational uses (fishing, swimming, boating and more), commercial fishing industry, and biodiversity, including sustenance for species like salmon, trout, whitefish, perch and walleye.
Beneficial Bacteria
The bottom of Lake Huron is also host to numerous microorganisms and healthy bacteria. These help to create clean and clear waters; they also help to filter and breakdown organic materials, aiding the proper functioning of the lake and its organisms. These bacteria are essential to the cycle of life in Lake Huron, as they break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.
Preservation Efforts
In order to ensure the continued preservation and health of Lake Huron, several organizations have been working to limit the amount of human activities, pollutants and sewage that enter the lake. This includes initiatives to monitor, assess, and protect the lake’s environment and local communities, combined with both public and private efforts to reduce pollution and to promote the health and development of the lake.
Human Development Around the lake
One of the biggest challenges to the long term health of Lake Huron is the increased human activity that has developed around the lake.This affects the overall health of the lake, as industrial discharges and runoff may contain contaminants, thereby impacting water quality and carrying the potential to cause long-term damage.Urban areas near the lake also experience heavy tourism, which has the potential to disrupt local ecosystems by introducing invasive species, reducing native plant and animal habitat, and impacting water quality.
Fish Consumption
People who consume Lake Huron fish are exposed to varying levels of potential contaminants from multiple sources. It’s important for those who eat Lake Huron fish to be aware of potential contamination issues and their effect on health. Fish advisories have been issued to inform the public of potential health risks associated with eating certain types of fish from different areas of Lake Huron, and this information is available from the local county health departments and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Efforts to Clean the lake
In order to improve the quality of the lake’s water, efforts to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the lake are needed. Organizations such as The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative are working on multiple levels to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the lake. This includes providing technical assistance and funding to local communities, to help them reduce their reliance on resources and reduce their contribution to pollution; funding research and monitoring to identify and address aquatic invasive species; and supporting the conservation of wetlands and other critical habitats.
Conclusion
Overall, Lake Huron is a freshwater lake, as its water falls within the lower range of salinity defined for freshwater. It is also subject to certain environmental and human pressures, such as Harmful Algal Blooms, climate change, wastewater and sewage, and human development around its shorelines. These pressures have resulted in the deterioration of its water quality, reducing its environmental value and the health of the organisms which live in it. Various organizations are working on initiatives to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the lake, in order to preserve and protect its natural beauty.
