Seeking solutions for the Anacostia’s toxic hot spots
Seeking solutions for the Anacostia's toxic hot spots The Chesapeake Bay Journal
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Removal of Toxic Contaminants from the Anacostia River
A group of people standing knee-deep in the marshy muck of the Anacostia River might have been mistaken for mussel foragers on an early August morning, except for their hazmat-like clothing. And the footlong mud-covered spikes they pulled out of a highly contaminated stretch of the river that day were not for consumption.
The 63 plastic spikes had spent a year in the riverbed absorbing PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls. Now they could be removed, taking the toxic contaminants with them — and out of the Anacostia ecosystem.
Introduction to the Technology and its Purpose
That’s the idea behind the technology, developed by NASA scientists and used by the Florida-based company ecoSPEARS. The Anacostia River is among a handful of locations around the world — including Sweden, Guam and the Port of San Diego — where it’s being tested as an alternative to dredging.
While dredging can remove toxic sediment quickly and effectively, it disrupts the aquatic environment and can reintroduce some contaminants into the water column. It also can come with high transportation costs, depending on how far it is to a landfill or incinerator that is equipped to receive toxic materials.
Application and Effectiveness of the Technology
The spears, known as sorbent polymer extraction and remediation system (SPEARS), are deployed in clusters four inches apart, working like sponges to absorb chemicals through their plastic exterior into a reagent at their core. The number of spears used and number of spears per cluster depend on the removal needs of a particular project. After being separated from the sediment, the contaminants can be destroyed more efficiently using a UV system.
In other places where ecoSPEARS have been deployed, they have removed 35–80% of the nearby pollutants within six months. The effectiveness of the spears in the Anacostia River is still being evaluated, with data on the 12-month removal to be included in the final report compiled by AECOM, the contractor overseeing the pilot project.
Environmental Impact and Cost-effectiveness
One of the concerns with any toxic sediment removal plan is the degree to which the river continues to receive new contamination. The Anacostia River cleanup plan includes a range of solutions, including capping and sealing contaminated sediment in place and spreading activated carbon to trap contaminants in some areas.
EcoSPEARS is expected to be most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is estimated to cost 40–50% less than dredging and hauling, making it a more cost-effective solution for removing toxic contaminants from waterways.
Conclusion
The use of ecoSPEARS technology in the Anacostia River demonstrates a commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water). By removing toxic contaminants from the river ecosystem, this innovative solution contributes to the preservation of aquatic life and the overall health of the environment.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
- SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions the following indicators:
- Percentage of contaminants removed from sediments within a specific timeframe (e.g., 35-80% within six months)
- Cost comparison between ecoSPEARS technology and traditional approaches (e.g., dredging and hauling)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. | – Percentage of contaminants removed from sediments within a specific timeframe (e.g., 35-80% within six months) | |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | – Percentage of contaminants removed from sediments within a specific timeframe (e.g., 35-80% within six months) | |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | – Percentage of contaminants removed from sediments within a specific timeframe (e.g., 35-80% within six months) | – Cost comparison between ecoSPEARS technology and traditional approaches (e.g., dredging and hauling) |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: bayjournal.com
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