Mililitros de mí
How do water scarcity and pollution in Valle de Bravo Lake affect biodiversity?
By Elena de Hoyos, Aimée Lobato and Keila González
Valle de Bravo is a town located next to the lake in the State of Mexico, Mexico. It is situated on the shores of Lake Avándaro, approximately 156 km (97 miles) southwest of Mexico City. The town is known for its colonial architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and alpine climate, often leading to chimneys being lit in residences. Valle de Bravo has become a popular weekend destination for people from Mexico City due to its proximity to the capital and its natural beauty.
What are the consequences of lake pollution for species?
Pollution of lakes by oils, gasoline, and chemicals can harm fish and their ecosystems. It can lead to reduced oxygen levels, affect fish respiration, disrupt food chains, and cause long-term damage to fish populations. Additionally, contaminants can accumulate in fish tissues, posing a risk to human health if contaminated fish are consumed.
This is also harmful because if lake fish are consumed by other animals, they will become sick and eventually die, which can cause a reduction in the entire lake’s fauna and biodiversity.
Numerous effects of pollution on animals and biodiversity can be observed. Toxic materials have the power to indirectly destroy species, disrupt food chains, and change environmental parameters. Because certain species are more susceptible to environmental changes or cannot adapt, there may be a reduction in biodiversity as a result of ecological imbalances.
How does the ecosystem seem to be affected by lake trash and water scarcity? How have flora and fauna adapted to live in this place?
Foto de Silvia Paola Torres López.
Autor/Banco de imágenes/Conabio
Trash can be a major hazard for species in Valle de Bravo, as animals can become trapped in it or accidentally ingest it, causing them injuries or even death. Additionally, water pollution can affect aquatic species, causing them health issues and reducing the food they can eat, making it no longer a suitable habitat for them to live.
Water scarcity is another factor that affects both terrestrial and aquatic species. Decreasing water levels reduce habitat for aquatic species, which can be very dangerous as it can lead to the loss of their home and food, causing a decrease in aquatic animal species. Furthermore, water scarcity also affects terrestrial animals as they depend on the lake for drinking water and sustenance.
Species living in Valle de Bravo have had to adapt to these conditions to survive. They have achieved this by changing their diet or migrating to different areas with sufficient water during the dry season, such as streams or springs. However, these adaptations have a limit and often can become futile due to pollution and water scarcity in the lake.
What can we do to make this biodiversity a healthier place for both citizens and plant and animal species?
In conclusion, water scarcity and pollution in Valle de Bravo Lake have significant impacts on biodiversity. Pollution from various sources such as sunscreen, boat oils, and trash can harm fish and their ecosystems, leading to reduced oxygen levels, disrupted food chains, and long-term damage to fish populations. This pollution can also affect other species that consume contaminated fish, causing a domino effect throughout the ecosystem.
Foto de Arturo Alday.
Autor/Banco de imágenes/Conabio
The lack of water in the lake further exacerbates the problem, reducing habitat for aquatic species and impacting the survival of both terrestrial and aquatic animals that rely on the lake for drinking water and sustenance. These challenges have forced species to adapt to changing conditions, but their adaptations have limits and can be ineffective due to pollution and water scarcity.
- To address these issues and make Valle de Bravo a healthier place for both citizens and plant and animal species, several measures can be taken: Conservation and restoration of natural habitats
- Sustainable land use practices
- Water conservation measures
- Pollution control
- Education and awareness
By prioritizing conservation efforts, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, Valle de Bravo can overcome these challenges and create a healthier environment for its citizens and the diverse species that inhabit it.
It is through collective efforts and collaborations that we can restore and preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of Valle de Bravo for future generations to enjoy.
References
Observatorio Ciudadano de la Subcuenca de Valle de Bravo-Amanalco. (n.d.). Por contaminación y escasez de agua, agoniza el lago de Valle de Bravo. Recovered from https://observatoriovalle.org.mx
Secretaría de Turismo. (April, 28, 2014). Valle de Bravo, México. Recovered from https://www.sectur.gob.mx
US Department of Commerce, & National Oceanic. (2018). Oil and chemical spills. Recovered from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov