Sewage Release Is Worse for Rivers Than Agricultural Runoff, Study Finds – EcoWatch

Rivers and Sewage Discharge: A Threat to Water Quality and Ecosystems

Rivers are the lifeblood of the planet. Essential for plants, animals, and humans, clean water is increasingly being contaminated with agricultural runoff containing toxic pesticides and other contaminants.

The Study on Sewage Discharge and Water Quality

A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford has found an even greater threat to the water quality of rivers, as well as the ecosystems that rely on them: sewage discharge.

In the United Kingdom, water companies’ treated wastewater is allowed to be released into rivers, as is the untreated overflow of wastewater that results from heavy rainfall, according to the University of Oxford.

This practice impacts ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as human health, if the water is used for agriculture, drinking, or recreation.

Impact on River Quality

“In the last few decades, pollution of aquatic ecosystems has become an environmental issue of global concern,” the study said. “In particular, wastewater inputs have been recognized as one of the most common threats to water quality in river ecosystems. Despite treatments in wastewater plants (WWPs) to remove some suspended solids and nutrients, these are not entirely removed and other chemical pollutants (e.g. pharmaceuticals) still enter aquatic ecosystems. These substances can drastically affect the rivers[‘] physical and chemical characteristics, with consequences for the survival and abundance of aquatic organisms.”

The researchers looked at the effects of agriculture, urban runoff, and treated sewage discharge on various aspects of river systems. Four rivers in England were tested during three different months in locations upstream and downstream of where sewage had been discharged.

The researchers discovered that the most accurate predictor of bottom-dwelling algae, the abundance of sewage fungus, and high levels of nutrients — no matter whether the surrounding land was being used for urban or agricultural purposes — was treated sewage discharge.

“Our study highlights the disproportionate impact that sewage discharge has on river quality, presenting an urgent need for a comprehensive action plan targeting the sewage discharge problem. Improvements to wastewater plants should be implemented along with more regulations. These efforts are crucial in safeguarding the integrity and safety of our rivers — fundamental elements of both ecosystems and human well-being,” said Dr. Dania Albini of the University of Oxford’s Department of Biology, who studies the effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems and is a senior author of the study, according to the University of Oxford.

Implications for Ecosystems and Species

Nutrients in waterways promote the growth of species that are harmful, such as worms and cyanobacteria, while deteriorating other species. Cyanobacteria is known to produce toxic chemicals that are harmful to many aquatic organisms. Thus, pollution from wastewater can degrade and alter important ecosystem processes due to the loss of critical species.

The study found that the only measurement surrounding agricultural land use that was a good predictor was the abundance of stoneflies, caddisflies, and mayflies. This finding points to locally treated sewage discharge being more of a threat than pollution to river communities and their water quality.

“This important research demonstrates yet again the damage from unregulated water companies and agriculture. In addition to the catastrophic impact on wildlife from nutrient pollution, the public should be aware that sewage systems do not remove dangerous bacteria such as E.coli and intestinal enterococci from treated sewage. For instance, recent citizen science on the River Thames found that Thames Water’s outflows often have four to five times the safe levels of bacteria, that has likely caused serious illness in swimmers and rowers. When will the government make water companies and farms clean up their act, especially in places where human lives and sensitive protected habitats are threatened?” said James Wallace, CEO of River Action, a UK-based charity, according to the University of Oxford.

Early Detection Method for Sewage Fungus

The researchers developed a new early detection method for sewage fungus, which is a mixture of algae, bacteria, and fungus that forms in the presence of high organic nutrient levels. Sewage fungus greatly reduces water oxygen levels, which can have an adverse effect on fish and all river species, and can lead to mass fish mortality.

The new technique could be used by monitoring agencies and water companies to limit the buildup of pollution and stop the decline of species.

“Rapid identification of sewage fungus pollution events will allow early intervention which would help prevent any potential negative consequences for local wildlife,” Jackson said.

Conclusion

The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the issue of sewage discharge into rivers. Improvements to wastewater treatment plants, along with stricter regulations, are crucial in safeguarding the integrity and safety of our rivers. The findings also emphasize the disproportionate impact that sewage discharge has on river quality compared to other sources of pollution. It is essential to prioritize the management and conservation of rivers to protect their ecosystems and water quality.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs 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. Specific targets under those SDGs 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.
   • SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly 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.

3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article:

   • Abundance of sewage fungus
   • High levels of nutrients
   • Abundance of stoneflies, caddisflies, and mayflies
   • Water oxygen levels
   • Presence of toxic chemicals produced by cyanobacteria

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: ecowatch.com

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