Protecting Phytoplankton: Reducing Waste Pollutants For Healthier Oceans

Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that float in marine and aquatic ecosystems, producing 50-80% of the world's oxygen. They are also the foundation of the ocean's food web, feeding everyone from zooplankton to multi-ton whales. However, agricultural runoff containing fertilizer and animal waste can cause phytoplankton to bloom, which can have devastating effects on ecosystems, human health, and the economy.

To reduce waste pollutants that affect phytoplankton, it is important to address the sources of pollution. This includes implementing better waste management practices, such as proper disposal of plastics and other recyclables, as well as reducing chemical fertilizer use and opting for reusable bottles and utensils. Additionally, regulating agricultural runoff and industrial waste discharge can help prevent the contamination of water bodies. By taking these steps, we can protect the health and productivity of phytoplankton, which play a crucial role in our ecosystem.

Reduce chemical fertiliser use

Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that float in marine and aquatic ecosystems, producing 50-80% of the world's oxygen. They are also a food source for many organisms and play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide. However, certain human activities, such as agricultural runoff, can lead to an excess of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in waterways, causing harmful algal blooms. These blooms can have devastating effects on ecosystems, harm human health, and impact the economy.

To reduce chemical fertiliser use and protect phytoplankton, here are some detailed, direct, and instructive strategies:

Apply Fertilizers Properly

Farmers play a crucial role in reducing nutrient runoff by applying fertilizers in the proper amount, at the right time of year, and with the correct method. This includes using the right placement and distribution techniques to ensure that fertilizers are utilized effectively by growing plants. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can be wasteful and dangerous for aquatic life.

Adopt Nutrient Management Techniques

Farmers can improve nutrient management practices by implementing strategies such as nutrient management techniques. This involves applying nutrients (fertilizer and manure) in the appropriate amounts, at the right time of year, and with the right method, placement, and distribution. This ensures that nutrients are efficiently utilized by crops and minimizes the risk of excess nutrients reaching water bodies.

Use Conservation Drainage Practices

Subsurface tile drainage is a common practice in agriculture, especially in the Midwest, to manage water movement through soils. By adopting conservation drainage practices, such as modifying drainage system design and operation, farmers can reduce nutrient loads while maintaining adequate drainage for crop production. This helps prevent excess nutrients from entering waterways and contributing to harmful algal blooms.

Ensure Year-Round Ground Cover

Farmers can plant cover crops or perennial species to prevent periods of bare ground on fields. This practice helps prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss, especially during heavy rainfall events. By keeping the soil covered, nutrients are less likely to wash away and end up in nearby water bodies, reducing the risk of algal blooms.

Plant Field Buffers

Establishing field buffers is another effective strategy. Farmers can plant trees, shrubs, and grasses along the edges of fields, particularly those bordering water bodies. These buffers act as natural filters, absorbing or trapping nutrients before they reach the water. This helps reduce the amount of nutrients entering waterways and contributing to algal blooms.

Implement Conservation Tillage

Reducing the frequency and intensity of tilling can improve soil health and reduce erosion, runoff, and soil compaction. This, in turn, minimizes the chance of nutrients reaching waterways. Conservation tillage practices help keep nutrients in the soil, where they can be utilized by crops, rather than washing into water bodies and fueling algal blooms.

Engage in Watershed Efforts

Collaboration among farmers, state governments, conservation groups, educational institutions, and community organizations is vital. By working together across an entire watershed, stakeholders can develop and implement strategies to reduce nutrient pollution. Farmers can play a leadership role in these efforts, sharing their knowledge and expertise to find solutions that benefit both agriculture and the environment.

Avoid agricultural runoff

Agricultural runoff is one of the leading causes of water quality impairment in the United States. It is caused by excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from chemical fertilizers and animal manure, which are not fully utilized by growing plants. These nutrients can be washed from farm fields and into waterways during rain events and snowmelt, leading to eutrophication and hypoxia ("dead zones") in water bodies. This can cause fish kills, a decrease in aquatic life, and harmful algal blooms (HABs) that produce toxins harmful to humans.

To avoid agricultural runoff, farmers can adopt several nutrient management techniques:

• Applying the right amount of fertilizer at the right time of year with the right method and placement. This ensures that plants fully utilize the nutrients and reduces the amount of fertilizer that reaches water bodies.
• Using conservation drainage practices, such as modifying drainage system design and operation, woodchip bioreactors, saturated buffers, and modifications to the drainage ditch system. These strategies aim to reduce nutrient loads while maintaining adequate drainage for crop production.
• Ensuring year-round ground cover by planting cover crops or perennial species to prevent periods of bare ground when the soil is most susceptible to erosion and nutrient loss.
• Planting field buffers, such as trees, shrubs, and grasses, along the edges of fields, especially those bordering water bodies. These buffers can help absorb or filter out nutrients before they reach water bodies.
• Implementing conservation tillage by reducing the frequency and intensity of tilling to improve soil health, reduce erosion, runoff, and soil compaction, and decrease the chance of nutrients reaching waterways.
• Managing livestock access to streams by installing fences to block animal access, helping to restore stream banks and prevent excess nutrients from entering the water.

By adopting these practices, farmers can play a crucial role in reducing nutrient losses from their operations and minimizing the negative impacts of agricultural runoff on water quality and aquatic ecosystems, including phytoplankton.

Reduce plastic waste

Plastic waste is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to phytoplankton, which play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem and the planet's climate. To reduce plastic waste and its harmful effects on phytoplankton, here are some essential steps that can be implemented:

• Public Awareness and Education: Spreading awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste on phytoplankton and the environment is vital. Educating people about the importance of recycling, reusing, and reducing plastic consumption can help foster a more sustainable mindset. People should be encouraged to refuse single-use plastics and opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible.
• Improved Waste Management: Governments and local authorities should invest in better waste management infrastructure, especially in developing countries that struggle with poor waste management. Implementing stricter regulations and policies to ensure proper disposal and recycling of plastic waste can help prevent plastic from entering oceans and other water bodies.
• Support Biodegradable Plastics: Biodegradable plastics (BPs) have the potential to be part of the solution by offering environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. However, more research and development are needed to improve their effectiveness and ensure they don't cause unintended environmental harm.
• Reduce Plastic Consumption: One of the most effective ways to reduce plastic waste is to decrease plastic consumption in the first place. Individuals can make conscious choices to avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable options. Businesses can also play a part by minimizing plastic packaging and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.
• International Collaboration: Addressing plastic pollution requires a global effort. International agreements and collaborations, such as the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution to address plastic pollution, are essential to combat this issue. By working together, nations can implement policies and regulations to reduce plastic production and improve waste management practices.
• Research and Innovation: Continued research is necessary to fully understand the complex effects of plastic pollution on phytoplankton and the ocean ecosystem. Additionally, innovation in plastic recycling technologies and the development of alternative materials can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.
• Clean-up Efforts: While it may not be feasible to remove all plastic waste from the oceans, clean-up efforts can help mitigate the problem. However, these initiatives must be carefully planned to minimize carbon emissions and avoid harming marine life.

By implementing these measures and fostering a collective sense of responsibility, we can make significant progress in reducing plastic waste and protecting phytoplankton, thereby preserving the health of our oceans and the planet.

Reduce sewage discharge

Sewage discharge is a pressing issue that has received significant public attention, and the UK government has acknowledged that the current frequency of discharges is unacceptable. In 2020, there were over 400,000 sewage discharges in England, totaling more than 3 million hours. These discharges occur when rainfall exceeds the capacity of the combined sewer system, leading to the release of excess sewage into rivers, lakes, or the sea to prevent sewage backup into streets and homes. However, water companies have been releasing raw sewage into these water bodies far more frequently than permitted, with investigations revealing over 1,000 daily releases.

To address this issue, the government introduced the Storm Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan, which was initially set to be published in September 2022. This plan aimed to set clear and enforceable targets for water companies to reduce their reliance on storm overflows and eliminate ecological and public health harm caused by sewage discharges. However, the release of this strategy has been delayed, with no new date announced.

To reduce sewage discharge, several measures can be implemented:

• Upgrading Infrastructure: Investing in upgrading the sewer system can help increase its capacity and reduce the frequency of overflows. This includes improving drainage systems and implementing measures to manage heavy rainfall more effectively.
• Reducing Sewage at the Source: Encouraging the public to reduce water usage and properly disposing of waste can help decrease the amount of sewage entering the system. This can be achieved through education campaigns and initiatives that promote water conservation and responsible waste management.
• Implementing Alternative Solutions: Exploring alternative solutions, such as natural treatment methods or innovative technologies, can help treat sewage and reduce the need for discharges. For example, using constructed wetlands or natural bacteria to treat wastewater can reduce the burden on the sewer system.
• Regulating Water Companies: Holding water companies accountable and enforcing strict regulations can help ensure they adhere to permits and only release sewage during exceptional rainfall. Fines and penalties for non-compliance can be implemented to deter unauthorized discharges.
• Collaborating with Farmers: Working with farmers to implement sustainable practices can reduce agricultural runoff, which is a significant contributor to water pollution. This includes using cover crops, planting trees and buffer strips, and improving fertilizer management to prevent excess nutrients from entering water bodies.

By implementing these measures, the frequency and impact of sewage discharges can be significantly reduced, protecting both public health and the environment, including phytoplankton ecosystems.

Reduce oil spills

Oil spills can have a significant impact on marine life, including phytoplankton, and can lead to long-term damage to ocean ecosystems. Here are some measures that can help reduce the risk of oil spills and protect phytoplankton:

Implement Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Oil spills often occur due to equipment failures, such as leaks or ruptures in pipelines, wells, or storage tanks. To reduce the likelihood of these incidents, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance and inspections of oil-related infrastructure. This includes checking for corrosion, wear and tear, and ensuring that all safety measures are in place and functioning correctly.

Improve Safety Protocols and Training

Human error is a significant contributor to oil spills. To mitigate this, companies should establish and enforce strict safety protocols for their employees and contractors. This includes providing comprehensive training on spill prevention, response, and clean-up procedures. Additionally, fostering a culture of safety awareness and accountability within the organisation can help reduce the risk of accidents and spills.

Enhance Spill Response and Containment Capabilities

When an oil spill occurs, quick and effective response is crucial to minimising its impact. Oil companies should invest in advanced spill response technologies and equipment, such as skimmers, booms, and dispersants. Regular drills and simulations can help ensure that response teams are well-prepared and able to act swiftly and efficiently in the event of a spill.

Promote the Use of Double-Hulled Ships

For oil transportation, the use of double-hulled ships can significantly reduce the risk of spills. These ships have two layers of hulls, providing an extra layer of protection in case of a collision or grounding. Governments and maritime organisations can encourage the adoption of double-hulled ships by offering incentives or making it a mandatory requirement.

Establish Oil Spill Prevention and Preparedness Plans

Oil companies, in collaboration with government agencies and local communities, should develop comprehensive oil spill prevention and preparedness plans. These plans should include risk assessments, identification of vulnerable areas, and strategies to minimise the impact of spills on sensitive ecosystems, including phytoplankton habitats. Regular reviews and updates of these plans are essential to ensure their effectiveness.

Encourage the Development of Alternative Energy Sources

Finally, reducing our reliance on oil and fossil fuels is a long-term strategy to decrease the risk of oil spills. Governments can provide incentives and investments to promote the development and adoption of renewable and alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. This not only reduces the chances of oil spills but also helps to address climate change, benefiting phytoplankton and the broader marine ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions