Ecosystem Changes and Environmental Impacts

Ecosystem Changes and Environmental Impacts Changes in freshwater ecosystems can be caused by two main factors, namely: 1. Natural Disasters: Natural events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, and droughts can cause drastic changes to freshwater ecosystems. For example, volcanic eruptions can cause increased water temperatures, changes in pH, and the entry of volcanic material into the water, which has an impact on the life of aquatic organisms. 2. Human Activities: Various human activities, such as pollution, development around water bodies, overfishing, and the introduction of invasive species, can disrupt the balance of freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Impact Changes in freshwater ecosystems can cause various adverse environmental impacts, including: • Deterioration of Water Quality: Pollution of industrial, agricultural, and household wastes can degrade water quality, leading to increased levels of hazardous substances, decreased dissolved oxygen levels, and changes in pH. This can interfere with the life of aquatic organisms and lead to the mass death of fish. • Loss of Biodiversity: Changes in ecosystems can lead to the loss of certain species that are unable to adapt to new environmental conditions. Biodiversity loss can disrupt food chains and reduce ecosystem stability. • Disruption to the Hydrological Cycle: Changes in freshwater ecosystems can disrupt the hydrological cycle, such as changes in river flow patterns, decreased water discharge, and increased erosion. This can have an impact on the availability of clean water for humans and other living things. • Microclimate Change: Changes in ecosystems can affect the microclimate around water bodies, such as air temperature and humidity. This can have an impact on agriculture, fisheries, and human health. • Disruption to Human Health: Water pollution can cause various diseases in humans, such as diarrhea, cholera, and skin diseases. In addition, ecosystem changes can increase the risk of natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, which can also threaten human health and safety. Case Study: Paper Mill Waste Pollution This book provides examples of cases of paper mill waste pollution that causes changes in freshwater ecosystems. The impact of this pollution includes: • Disturbance to Vegetation: Rice plants in rice fields exposed to paper mill waste experience wilt disease and die. • Disturbance of Fauna: Animals and poultry that drink polluted river water experience death or disability in their offspring. • Human Interference: Farmers have had to change the way they farm and incur additional costs to clean up the layers of paper that settle in the rice fields. Mitigation Efforts To reduce the impact of changes in freshwater ecosystems, various efforts are needed, including: • Pollution Control: Reducing waste discharge into water bodies, treating waste before disposal, and implementing environmentally friendly agricultural practices. • Conservation and Restoration: Protecting and restoring pristine freshwater habitats, as well as restoring damaged ecosystems. • Sustainable Water Resource Management: Use water wisely and efficiently, and maintain water quality. • Education and Environmental Awareness: Increasing public awareness about the importance of maintaining freshwater ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment. By carrying out these mitigation efforts, it is hoped that the impact of changes in freshwater ecosystems can be minimized and the sustainability of this ecosystem can be maintained.