Helena Joyce
The Salton Sea in California has been described as the state's most polluted inland lake. Over the last 25 years, the sea has lost a third of its water, leading to a dramatic increase in the concentration of salt and chemicals in the remaining water. This has resulted in the mass die-off of fish and birds, including endangered species. The decline in water levels has been attributed to a decrease in Colorado River flow, with some researchers suggesting that climate change, efficient irrigation systems, and agricultural practices may also be contributing factors. While the Salton Sea is a notable example of an inland sea facing ecological challenges, other bodies of water, such as the Baltic Sea, also struggle with pollution from various sources, including industry, agriculture, and shipping. The impact of human activities on these inland waters underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the complex environmental issues they face.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inland Sea | Salton Sea, California |
| Pollution Level | California's most polluted inland lake |
| Water Loss | Lost a third of its water in the last 25 years |
| Causes of Water Loss | Reduced flow from the Colorado River, climate change, efficient irrigation systems, and crop modification |
| Consequences of Water Loss | Increased concentration of salt and chemicals, causing a mass die-off of fish and birds, including endangered species |
| Pollution Sources | Agricultural runoff, remnants from World War II, industry, agriculture, wastewater treatment plants, and shipping |
| Types of Pollutants | Microplastics, nanoparticles, larger litter, chemical munitions, DDT, PCBs, mercury, pharmaceutical residues, dioxins, flame retardants, and oil spills |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics and nanoparticles
Microplastics and nanoplastics are two different types of environmentally hazardous materials that are causing increasing global environmental and human health problems. They have been identified as pollutants in the Baltic Sea, one of the world's most polluted seas, and in the Salton Sea, California's most polluted inland lake.
Microplastics are released from a variety of sources, including wastewater treatment plants, landfills, irrigation, agricultural fields, industrial effluent, and domestic runoff. They can also be released from atmospheric deposition, land-based sources, fertilisers, artificial turf, road and air transportation, textiles, coastal and tourism activities, commercial fishing, marine vessels, aquaculture, and oil rigs. Microplastics can be ingested by fish and other species that filter their food out of the water, leading to bioaccumulation in the food web and potentially impacting human health.
Nanoplastics, on the other hand, are not the same as microplastics or engineered nanoparticles. They are formed through the mechanical degradation of primary and secondary microplastics. Nanoplastics can also be released from commercially recycled plastics.
The behaviour of microplastics and nanoplastics in the aquatic environment differs in several ways, including distribution behaviour, adsorption behaviour, reaction with natural colloids, aging and leaching behaviour, and interaction with organisms. For example, nanoplastics can be released from microplastics under shear stress forces, and they may have different toxicological effects on organisms.
Atmospheric transport of microplastics is another potential source of plastic pollution in the ocean, although observations in this area are currently limited. Studies have detected airborne microplastic particles in the remote marine atmosphere, and microplastics have been found in snow deposited on Arctic ice floes and remote areas in Europe.
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Agricultural runoff
Agricultural operations use various fertilizers and pesticides to enhance crop growth and protect against pests. While these substances are essential for crop yields, they can become pollutants when they enter water bodies. Nitrogen-based, phosphorus-based, and potassium-based fertilizers, as well as pesticides like insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, can contaminate water through runoff, infiltration, and irrigation return flows. This leads to increased nutrient levels in the water, promoting excessive algae growth and causing algal blooms. As the algae decompose, they consume oxygen, creating hypoxic conditions that are harmful to aquatic life and recreational activities.
Animal waste from livestock farming is another significant contributor to agricultural runoff. Manure contains high levels of nutrients, pathogens, and organic matter, which can be washed into nearby water bodies during rainfall or irrigation. The decomposition of organic matter in manure increases the biological oxygen demand (BOD) in the water, further degrading water quality. Large-scale concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) produce substantial amounts of waste, and inefficient waste storage and disposal can lead to spills and leaks, contaminating surface and groundwater.
To address the challenges posed by agricultural runoff, farmers in the United States are implementing various practices through the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI). Contour strip cropping, for instance, helps reduce erosion and runoff. Additionally, conservation practices are being adopted to minimize the water quality impacts of stormwater runoff and groundwater infiltration. By managing farming operations and adopting sustainable practices, it is possible to minimize the negative effects of agricultural runoff on inland seas and other water bodies.
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Industrial waste
The Salton Sea in California is the state's most polluted inland lake. It has lost about a third of its water in the last 25 years due to a decline in the Colorado River's flow. As the lake dries up, the concentration of salt and chemicals in the remaining water has increased, causing a mass die-off of fish and birds, including endangered species. The dry lakebed is coated in salty, toxic water, which becomes dust that causes respiratory problems for nearby residents.
There are various sources of industrial waste that contribute to the pollution of inland seas and oceans. One significant source is nonpoint source pollution, which accounts for 80% of marine pollution and includes runoff from land-based sources such as farms, ranches, septic tanks, vehicles, and boats. When large areas of land are ploughed, the exposed soil can be washed away during rainstorms, carrying agricultural fertilizers and pesticides into nearby waterways and oceans. Similarly, oil leaks from vehicles can make their way into the sea through stormwater drains.
Industrial activities also contribute directly to ocean pollution. Offshore drilling can have detrimental effects on marine life, and fossil fuel emissions can lead to acidification of the water, as oceans absorb a significant portion of carbon emissions from the atmosphere. Additionally, plastic waste from single-use plastic bags, bottles, and containers often ends up in the ocean, where it can persist for hundreds of years, entangling marine life and being ingested by various species.
Furthermore, industrial waste includes remnants from historical conflicts. For example, the Baltic Sea, often referred to as the world's most polluted sea, contains remnants from World War II, including chemical munitions and other war materials. The sea also faces pollution from various industrial, agricultural, and shipping sources, including microplastics and nanoparticles.
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War remnants
The Baltic Sea, an inland sea with limited water exchange, is often referred to as the world's most polluted sea. The slow water turnover means that toxins and other pollutants, such as microplastics and nanoparticles, remain in the water for extended periods. Among these pollutants are remnants from the Second World War, including chemical munitions and other war materials. Approximately 50,000 tonnes of such hazardous substances were dumped in the Baltic Sea, polluting the underwater sediment.
The presence of mustard gas, arsenic-containing agents, and other chemical warfare agents has been detected in the Baltic Sea. These toxic compounds can contaminate the fragile Baltic ecosystem, impacting marine life and potentially entering the food chain. The deterioration of munition casings further exacerbates the issue, as they release additional chemical agents into the environment. The long-term effects of these pollutants are concerning, with projections indicating that the bomb casings will disintegrate over the next decade while the shell casings will persist until 2100.
World War I and II shipwrecks in the North Sea and other bodies of water are also contributing to environmental concerns. Sunken naval vessels are leaking carcinogenic fuel, explosives, and chemical weapons, affecting marine microbial communities and underwater ecosystems. The challenge of addressing these wrecks lies in their high costs and potential dangers, leaving many to continue leaking chemicals into the water. Additionally, the material composition of the ships themselves can disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems, as iron leaching from the sunken ships contributes to algal blooms, which harm the growth of coral and deplete oxygen levels in the water.
Beyond the direct pollution caused by chemical weapons and shipwrecks, the broader environmental impact of warfare extends to soil degradation, localised pollution, and changes in land use. The use of practices like burn pits has exposed both military personnel and nearby communities to hazardous pollution, resulting in ongoing health issues for veterans. Furthermore, the clearance of landmines and other explosive remnants of war can lead to soil contamination and set back progress in areas such as pollution control, resource management, and biodiversity protection.
The environmental legacy of warfare also includes the historical dumping of surplus munitions and the use of military lands. Vast quantities of conventional and chemical munitions were disposed of in seas and oceans until 1975, when the London Convention prohibited sea dumping. These munitions continue to pose a threat to maritime workers and the environment. Additionally, the land requirements for military bases and training facilities can encompass ecologically important areas, impacting biodiversity and creating emissions, disruption to landscapes, and chemical and noise pollution. The residues of weapons used in training can also contribute to environmental pollution.
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Climate change
The Salton Sea in California is the state's most polluted inland lake. It has lost a third of its water in the last 25 years, and the concentration of salt and chemicals in the remaining water has increased dramatically, causing a mass die-off of fish and birds, including endangered species. The problem has been attributed to a decline in Colorado River flow, with less water entering the sea. Researchers have also identified climate change and heat as factors in drying up the lake. As an endorheic lake, the Salton Sea is particularly vulnerable to changes in water input, as the water has no outlet and can only flow in, not out.
The warming of the oceans due to climate change can also lead to the destruction of marine habitats and the displacement of marine species. Warmer waters can cause coral bleaching, where corals expel their symbiotic algae, leaving them white and vulnerable to disease and death. This can have far-reaching consequences for the entire marine food web, as corals provide essential habitats for many species. Climate change can also alter ocean currents and nutrient cycles, affecting the distribution and abundance of marine life.
Furthermore, climate change can contribute to the increase of pollutants in inland seas and oceans. As ice caps and glaciers melt, the water they release can contain high levels of pollutants that have accumulated over time. These pollutants are then transported to the oceans, adding to the existing pollution and further degrading marine ecosystems. Climate change can also intensify extreme weather events, such as storms and floods, which can result in increased runoff and the discharge of pollutants into inland seas and oceans.
The impact of climate change on inland seas and oceans is complex and far-reaching. It is crucial to address these issues through global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change on our planet's waters.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Salton Sea is California's most polluted inland lake. It has lost a third of its water in the last 25 years, and as the lake dries up, the concentration of salt and chemicals in the remaining water has increased, causing a mass die-off of fish and birds, including endangered species.
The Salton Sea is shrinking due to a decline in the flow of the Colorado River. Some also blame climate change, heat, and agriculture.
The salty, toxic water becomes dust that causes respiratory problems for nearby residents.
The Salton Sea is burdened by various pollutants, including microplastics, nanoparticles, larger litter, agricultural fertilizers, and pesticides.
