Preserving The Anacostia: Preventing Pollution For A Healthy Future

The Anacostia River has been notoriously polluted for many years, but there are now hopes that it could be cleaned up enough to swim in by 2025. The river has been polluted with microplastics and chemical contaminants, which have come from sewage overflows, herbicides, and veterinary pharmaceuticals from farms. To clean up the river, the District has been working to rehabilitate the wetlands surrounding the Anacostia, which serve as the river's natural kidneys. Another method being used to clean up the river is the introduction of mussels, which are filter feeders that can clean up to 20 gallons of water a day.

The use of mussels as filter feeders to clean the river

The Anacostia River has been notoriously polluted, with chemical contaminants and microplastics in the water. However, there is hope that by 2025, people will be able to swim in the river.

One way to clean the river is to use mussels as filter feeders. Natural resources specialists and scientists have been identifying native species of mussels in the river, and revitalising their populations. Each mussel can filter between 10 and 20 gallons of water a day, and the Anacostia Watershed Society has released 8,700 mussels, which could filter 48 Olympic-sized swimming pools a year.

The female mussels nudge out the larvae by expelling them or extending a chunk of tissue resembling a worm to lure in fish hosts. The fish then become the unsuspecting foster parents of mussels growing on their gills and fins. The larvae eventually drop off and form new mussel beds.

The Anacostia Watershed Society has also turned to a hatchery at Harrison Lake in Virginia to help with the process of revitalising mussel populations.

Rehabilitating the wetlands surrounding the river

The District has been working to rehabilitate these wetlands, and this, along with other efforts, has contributed to the Anacostia River's improved health. In 2018, the river received a "D" grade on the Anacostia Watershed Society's health exam, an improvement from its previous consistent "F" grade.

One way to rehabilitate the wetlands is by revitalising populations of native mussels, which act as filter feeders. Each mussel can filter between 10 and 20 gallons of water per day, and the release of 8,700 mussels in the fall of 2019 could filter 48 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water per year.

The Anacostia Watershed Society has also turned to a hatchery at Harrison Lake in Virginia to propagate mussels for river cleanup. By snorkelling in the Anacostia, scientists were able to find pregnant mussels and collect their larvae, which will form new mussel beds. This technology-assisted approach has paved the way for a new method of releasing mussels for river cleanup.

Reducing the use of herbicides and veterinary pharmaceuticals from farms

The Anacostia River has been notoriously polluted for many years, but there are ways to help prevent this. One way is to reduce the use of herbicides and veterinary pharmaceuticals from farms. These chemicals can end up in the water and disrupt the functions that regulate fish hormones and reproductive systems.

To reduce the use of these chemicals, farmers can adopt more sustainable practices. This may include using integrated pest management techniques to control pests and diseases, rather than relying solely on herbicides. Farmers can also work with veterinarians to develop herd health plans that minimise the need for pharmaceuticals. This might involve improving animal husbandry practices, such as providing more space and better ventilation, to reduce the risk of disease.

Another way to prevent pollution is to ensure that any chemicals used on farms are properly contained and do not enter the river. This can be achieved through the use of buffer strips and riparian buffers, which can help to filter out chemicals before they reach the water. Implementing best management practices for manure storage and handling can also help to prevent the contamination of water sources.

By reducing the use of herbicides and veterinary pharmaceuticals, and containing and properly managing any chemicals that are used, farmers can help to reduce the pollution of the Anacostia River and improve the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

Reducing sewage overflows

Sewage overflows are a major source of pollution in the Anacostia River, along with microplastics and chemical contaminants. To reduce sewage overflows, the following measures can be taken:

Firstly, it is important to keep FOG (fats, oils and grease) out of drains. When washed down with soap and hot water, FOG solidifies in pipes as the water cools, causing blockages.

Secondly, green infrastructure can be implemented. Nature-based solutions, such as rain gardens and permeable pavement, capture stormwater where it falls, allowing it to absorb into the ground or be saved for later use before it enters the combined sewer system. This reduces total storm flows or peak flows.

Thirdly, increased storage capacity in the collection system can help to manage sewage and stormwater. This can be achieved by storing sewage and stormwater in existing pipes or new storage structures (e.g. storage tunnels, underground or above-ground tanks) during rainstorms, allowing for a slow release to the sewage treatment plant following the storm. Cleaning existing combined sewers to reduce blockages and filled areas can also increase storage capacity.

Additionally, sewer separation can be implemented by adding a separate pipe system for stormwater that discharges directly to a stream or river, reducing the volume in the sewage pipes that go to the treatment plant.

Finally, installing an Overflow Protection Device can prevent sewage from entering homes or businesses and reroute spills outside the building.

Reducing the use of microplastics

The Anacostia River is polluted with microplastics and chemical contaminants. To reduce the use of microplastics, individuals can make small changes in their daily lives. For example, they can avoid using single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, and water bottles. Instead, they can opt for reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags, metal straws, and refillable water bottles.

Additionally, individuals can support businesses that use eco-friendly packaging and reduce their consumption of products containing microplastics, such as certain cosmetics and cleaning products. They can also properly dispose of plastic waste and participate in clean-up efforts to remove plastic pollution from the environment.

On a larger scale, governments and industries can play a crucial role in reducing the use of microplastics. Policies and regulations can be implemented to ban or tax single-use plastics, incentivising the use of reusable alternatives. Industries can also be encouraged to develop and use eco-friendly packaging and products, reducing the amount of plastic waste generated.

Furthermore, investing in research and development can lead to innovative solutions for plastic pollution. For example, creating biodegradable plastics or improving recycling technologies can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.

By combining individual actions with governmental and industrial efforts, we can significantly reduce the use of microplastics and work towards a cleaner and healthier Anacostia River. These collective efforts will not only benefit the river but also the surrounding ecosystem and communities that rely on it.

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