Tainted African Dust Clouds Harm U.S., Caribbean Reefs
- added July 15, 2008
- 2 responses
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- DeliaTheArtist
- added this
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[eXcERpTs]
"Coral reefs in the United States and the Caribbean may be under siege—from a surprising source half a world away.
Scientists say tons of dust from Africa's arid Sahara and Sahel regions could be polluting oceans in the Caribbean and southeastern U.S.
The dusty clouds carry contaminants like metals, pesticides and microorganisms—potentially disastrous news for coral reefs and other marine animals already stressed by warming waters.
"The pesticides associated with African dust are primarily insecticides. These can affect the coral host directly," Negri said.
Garrison believes that while certain contaminants may be linked to specific areas, such as the African pesticides, no one region is entirely to blame for air-quality issues.
"We're all responsible," she said. "We all have to watch what we're putting into the air."
"Coral reefs in the United States and the Caribbean may be under siege—from a surprising source half a world away.
Scientists say tons of dust from Africa's arid Sahara and Sahel regions could be polluting oceans in the Caribbean and southeastern U.S.
The dusty clouds carry contaminants like metals, pesticides and microorganisms—potentially disastrous news for coral reefs and other marine animals already stressed by warming waters.
"The pesticides associated with African dust are primarily insecticides. These can affect the coral host directly," Negri said.
Garrison believes that while certain contaminants may be linked to specific areas, such as the African pesticides, no one region is entirely to blame for air-quality issues.
"We're all responsible," she said. "We all have to watch what we're putting into the air."
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- DeliaTheArtist
- 2 months ago
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The health of of ocean ecosystem is so important, plus the asthma rates in the Caribbean are alarming.
More from the U.S. Geological Survey on African dust, including photos and satellite images.
"Asthma, Coral and African Dust"
http://www.pbs.org/strangedays/episodes/onedegreefactor...-
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- covelogibbs
- 2 months ago
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