Impacts on You

"Land use conversion from 1987 to future use" Please take note to the dramatic decrease agricultural land, and increase in residential land.

"Lead load change as a result of land use conversion" Because lead is a major concern in communities due to the devestating health affects, this graph displays the increase in lead into Shermans Creek due to land use change. This increase in lead increases human health risks.

"Nitrogen and phosphorous load changes as a result of land use conversion" This graph displays the decrease in nitrogen and phosphorous due to future land use change. This decrease is mostly likely due to the dramatic decrease in agricultural land. This loss of nutrients may improve the health of the aquatic environment, however neither of these are toxic to humans at present levels, so this does not reduce health risk.

"Lead, Copper, and Zinc load changes as a result of land use conversion" This graph illustrates the change in the metal load of lead, copper, and zinc due to land use conversion. It is important to note that the lead dramatically increases, and this increase is closely related to the increase in residential land.

Copper is a key nutrient to you. Although, at high levels, it can cause stomach cramps, intestinal problems, liver and kidney damage, anemia, nausea and vomiting. It is also suspected to be a cardiovascular or blood toxicant, reproductive toxicant, and respiratory toxicant, and is ranked in the upper 10% of compounds which are hazardous to humans.

Lead greatly affects young children and pregnant women more than the rest of the human population. Exposure can lead to serious damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. It also is a contributor to learning disabilities in young children, hypertension in adults, and as stated before, can have affects on pregnant women. It has been shown that lead in the blood stream is largely caused by lead in your water. Drinking water is responsible for 10% to 20% of total lead exposure in young children. Over-exposure can stunt a child's mental and physical growth.

Nitrogen is essential for the growth of all living organisms. Extreme amounts of nitrogen can degrade water quality and be harmful to you. Too much nitrogen can cause excessive algae growth in waterways, which can lead to a state called eutrophication. In addition, if heightened levels are consumed, humans can develop methemoglobinemia or what is commonly called "blue baby syndrome." This is when blood does not have the ability to carry adequate oxygen to body cells, and in turn causes veins and skin to appear blue. Excess nitrogen can also be a possible cancer risk. It has the ability to react with amines or amides in the body to form nitrosamine (a known cause of cancer).

Total phosphorus, like nitrogen, can cause algae growth in waterways, which can lead to the state of eutrophication. Eutrophication is mainly a result of human activity and development. It can lead to toxic algae blooms, decrease in diversity, food supply and habitat destruction. Some resulting blue-green algae have the ability to produce toxins, which are harmful to humans, pets, and farm animals. Algae blooms have been correlated to skin irritation, to liver damage, to death. They can also endanger the populations of fish, shellfish, and livestock through contact with the toxin.

Total Suspended Solids indicate the amount of mineral and organic solids suspended in the water. Such tests measure actual weight of suspended material per volume of water. High amounts of suspended material (these can be caused by heavy rains) can cause increased sedimentation and siltation in a stream. This can ruin fish and other aquatic animals' habitats. It also allows places for bacteria and other pollutants (like metals) to attach upon. Total suspended solids can be considered indicators of potential pollutants in an aquatic environment. Land use is the largest factor to influence total suspended solid concentrations. As development increases and vegetation decreases, runoff will increase causing more damage to the waterway.

Zinc is necessary for your body in small amounts. It helps you with your metabolism. Extreme amounts of zinc can lead to stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, anemia, gastrointestinal problems, and it can decrease levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL is "good" cholesterol). It also has the faculty to hinder your body's ability to absorb copper and iron, as well as other essential minerals to your immune function.