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Natural Ponds & Lakes
Usually natural lakes have an abundance of plants. These plants bind large amounts of nutrients and function as natural filters. If this lake is frequently visited by people then the natural balance will suffer. Plants are cut, ducks are fed and their population increases, increasing foot traffic on the bank ensures reduced bank and bank zone and marsh zone planting. In such cases it is a good idea to post signs stating that feeding ducks is not appropriate for the species or is even prohibited. The increased waterfowl excretions that accompany an increasing population cause extreme oxygen depletion in the lake. A toxic sludge is produced that gives off hydrogen sulphide. In addition to significant odour irritation, fish often die.
Over a longer period such lakes silt up and the reduced water depth causes additional problems such as lack of oxygen, or the lake can even become completely overgrown with shallow water growth like duckweed. Placid, shallow lakes slowly start to change from the first day of their existence. This process is caused by falling leaves, dying plants and dead aquatic organisms that sink to the bottom of the lake. Due to the settling of dead substance a layer forms in which the available oxygen is consumed by the decomposing micro organisms. Because effective aerobic decomposition only takes place in narrow border area sludge/open water, the sludge layer gets stronger and stronger year by year, so that natural shallow lakes finally silt up and become marshy without human intervention.