The Poo In Polution
By 6th Graders Julia Lyons And Charlotte Vogel
Did you know there’s a pollutant that’s right up there in the same category as toxic chemicals and oil. It’s not what you think. It’s…. dog poop!
Did you know that it’s estimated that a third of all water contamination is caused by dog poop? When dog poop is not properly disposed of, it can get into the drainage system or leach into underground well water (ew!). Dog waste contains high levels of nutrients. When the waste washes into nearby streams, the nutrients stimulate algae growth. When there is a large amount of algae using up the oxygen supply, there is less oxygen for other aquatic life causing them to die out. Also lots of algae makes ponds unpleasant to swim, fish, and participate in other aquatic activities.
When dog waste gets into bodies of water, it’s not just the animals that live in the water that get harmed; the animals that drink from the water can also get harmed. Dog waste can carry diseases and parasites that can get into the water, and when an animal goes to drink from that water they can get the disease or parasite. Also, dog waste can seep into underground well water, which people use for drinking water. This means that you could be drinking dog poop right now and not even know! You could get the diseases by simply drinking water.
Not only that, but, contrary to popular belief, dog waste is not a fertilizer. In fact, it’s the opposite! Indisposed dog waste damages the grass it lays on and takes a long time to break down. Since dogs have high protein diets, their waste is highly acidic and will burn the grass, creating brown patches. Dog waste carries parasites and diseases. Even after the waste disintegrates into the ground, those parasites and diseases are still there. When people step where the waste once was, they can catch the diseases. These diseases can be serious, and since kids often play outside at places such as Whalen Commons in Poolesville, they have a greater chance of catching the diseases and parasites.
After thinking it over, we have come up with a solution for a cleaner Poolesville! We are planning to place dog waste stations with bags and trash cans to help the dog owners of Poolesville clean up after their pets. This will not only make Poolesville look better, but it will also make it a healthier place for everyone who lives here. Dog waste stations will help all of the problems that dog waste can cause. See more about how dog waste stations can help Poolesville at www.DoodyCallsPickItUp.weebly.com, and remember to clean up after your pet!
Did you know that it’s estimated that a third of all water contamination is caused by dog poop? When dog poop is not properly disposed of, it can get into the drainage system or leach into underground well water (ew!). Dog waste contains high levels of nutrients. When the waste washes into nearby streams, the nutrients stimulate algae growth. When there is a large amount of algae using up the oxygen supply, there is less oxygen for other aquatic life causing them to die out. Also lots of algae makes ponds unpleasant to swim, fish, and participate in other aquatic activities.
When dog waste gets into bodies of water, it’s not just the animals that live in the water that get harmed; the animals that drink from the water can also get harmed. Dog waste can carry diseases and parasites that can get into the water, and when an animal goes to drink from that water they can get the disease or parasite. Also, dog waste can seep into underground well water, which people use for drinking water. This means that you could be drinking dog poop right now and not even know! You could get the diseases by simply drinking water.
Not only that, but, contrary to popular belief, dog waste is not a fertilizer. In fact, it’s the opposite! Indisposed dog waste damages the grass it lays on and takes a long time to break down. Since dogs have high protein diets, their waste is highly acidic and will burn the grass, creating brown patches. Dog waste carries parasites and diseases. Even after the waste disintegrates into the ground, those parasites and diseases are still there. When people step where the waste once was, they can catch the diseases. These diseases can be serious, and since kids often play outside at places such as Whalen Commons in Poolesville, they have a greater chance of catching the diseases and parasites.
After thinking it over, we have come up with a solution for a cleaner Poolesville! We are planning to place dog waste stations with bags and trash cans to help the dog owners of Poolesville clean up after their pets. This will not only make Poolesville look better, but it will also make it a healthier place for everyone who lives here. Dog waste stations will help all of the problems that dog waste can cause. See more about how dog waste stations can help Poolesville at www.DoodyCallsPickItUp.weebly.com, and remember to clean up after your pet!