Burning coal is a source of pollution in Florida.
The problem of pollution is a global one, affecting all aspects of life. Pollution in Florida is a reflection of the overall pollution of the world. Since Florida is a retirement and vacation state for many, pollution has a negative effect on the consumer service industry and tourism. By understanding the sources, the state Florida may be able to take steps to reduce it.
Red Tide
Red algae blooms are a source of pollution in the Gulf of Mexico, commonly called "Red Tide." These algae blooms are carried by currents to the western coastline of Florida, coating the coastal waters and the coastline with a foul-smelling slime. The problem is twofold: Red Tide absorbs oxygen in the water, and its waste is highly toxic. The end result is marine life killed either by suffocation or poisoning. The causes of Red Tide are numerous, but one form starts in the Mississippi delta. Sewage runoff from the delta region is an ideal fertilizer for algae. Also, when Hurricane Katrina hit the delta region, huge amounts of raw sewage washed into the gulf by overflowing septic tanks. Currently, Red Tide is a seasonal phenomenon, usually occurring every spring.
Coal Use
According to Florida State University, Florida does not have a heavy industry base, so it does not have an overall air pollution problem. It does, however, have a localized air pollution problem. In the Tampa area, coal-fired generating plants produce electricity, and the coal smoke pollutes the air in the region. Air currents carry the smoke to other parts of Florida, and it dissipates the farther away from Tampa the smoke is carried.
Pesticide Use
Florida has a large agrarian base, chiefly composed of orange and other citrus trees. Pesticides help prevent diseases and pests, and these were detected in the soil surface, canals, and groundwater. According to Rural Migration news, pesticide usage per acre in Florida is heavier than in other states. The organic advocacy group Organics Consumers Association states that Theodore McDowell, a former Florida Department of Environmental Protection employee, testified under oath that he was told to downplay the true levels of contamination caused by pesticide usage in Florida.
