Stream Revival: Removing Pollution From Waterways

Water pollution is a widespread problem that jeopardizes our health. Unsafe water kills more people each year than war and all other forms of violence combined. Our water sources are contaminated with chemicals, waste, plastic, and other pollutants. Removing pollution can be as simple as digging up a leaking oil tank or as complex as developing government regulations to control toxic substances. There are various methods to remove pollution from a stream of water, including dredging, air stripping, and filtration through activated carbon filters. Individuals can also play a role in reducing water pollution by making conscious choices, such as reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, properly disposing of waste, and supporting conservation policies.

Characteristics of Water Pollution Removal

Use phosphate-free soaps and detergents

Phosphates are chemical compounds containing the element phosphorus. They are commonly used in cleaning products such as detergents, soaps, and shampoos due to their effectiveness in removing dirt, grime, and oil. Phosphates are also used in dishwasher detergents to counteract the effects of hard water, which can interfere with the cleaning agents.

However, the use of phosphates in these products has been linked to environmental concerns, particularly water pollution. When phosphate-based soaps are used, they eventually make their way into waterways, providing nutrients for algae and contributing to eutrophication and algal blooms. This can lead to a depletion of oxygen in the water, causing harm to fish and other aquatic life.

To address this issue, there has been a growing movement to switch to phosphate-free detergents, soaps, and household cleaners. Phosphate-free soaps use alternative cleaning agents that are equally effective in removing dirt and grime while being gentler on the environment. By not containing phosphates, these soaps help reduce water pollution, making them safer for aquatic life and supporting the maintenance of healthy waterways.

The benefits of phosphate-free soaps extend beyond water pollution reduction. They also improve air quality by reducing the formation of smog, which can enhance respiratory health for humans and animals. Additionally, these soaps are often designed to be more water-efficient, requiring less water for rinsing and contributing to water conservation.

Many countries and states have already taken steps to regulate or ban the use of phosphates in detergents. For instance, by 2010, 17 states in the US banned the sale of dishwasher detergents with high phosphate levels. This trend is expected to continue as people become more conscious of their environmental impact and seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

Reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers

Water pollution is a widespread problem that is jeopardising our health. It occurs when harmful substances, often chemicals or microorganisms, contaminate a body of water, degrading water quality and rendering it toxic to humans and the environment. One of the major sources of water pollution is agriculture, with farming and livestock production accounting for about 70% of global freshwater consumption and being a serious polluter of water.

To reduce the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers, and thus decrease water pollution, here are some methods and strategies that can be employed:

Reduce Pesticide Use

• Only use pesticides when necessary and treat specific areas that need treatment. Most insecticides are toxic to bees, so apply them at night when bees are not actively foraging.
• Use bait stations for rodent baits formulated with food, such as peanut butter or grain, and place them where non-target wildlife cannot access them.
• Employ landscaping techniques that increase native habitats, reducing the need for pesticides.
• Keep pesticides away from water bodies, storm drains and gutters.
• Consider the characteristics of the application site, such as soil texture, slope and organic matter, before applying pesticides.
• Follow the instructions on pesticide product labels for proper use, storage and disposal.
• Use conservation buffers, such as those outlined by the USDA's NRCS, to trap and degrade pesticides.
• Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agriculture, an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management.

Reduce Fertiliser Use

• Use biochar, a form of charcoal produced from organic materials, to enhance soil fertility and reduce the need for nitrogen-based fertilisers. Biochar improves soil structure, aeration, water infiltration and drainage, and acts as a reservoir for essential plant nutrients.
• Implement precision agriculture, nutrient management and crop rotation to optimise fertiliser use and minimise nutrient runoff.
• Avoid excessive fertiliser application, which contributes to nutrient pollution when excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus enter water bodies, disrupting ecosystems and causing rapid algae growth, known as algal blooms.
• Minimise the use of nitrogen-based fertilisers, as they contribute to the production of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere when microorganisms break down excess nitrogen.

Create a riparian corridor

Riparian zones, or riparian areas, are the natural or engineered interfaces between land and a river or stream. They are crucial for the ecosystem as they provide space, shelter, water, and food for both humans and wildlife. They also improve water quality by filtering out sediments and harmful chemicals. Creating a riparian corridor involves the following steps:

Understanding the Importance of Riparian Corridors: Riparian corridors are essential for preserving the health of streams and rivers. They act as a buffer zone, absorbing the impacts of climate change, increased runoff from urbanization, and other factors that can damage streams and rivers. They also play a vital role in soil conservation, habitat biodiversity, and influencing terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Identifying the Components of a Riparian Corridor: A riparian corridor is made up of various ecosystems, including rivers, streams, spring creeks, wetlands, uplands, and agricultural fields. These diverse habitats support a wide range of plant and animal species, including insects, amphibians, fish, and wildlife.

Protecting and Restoring Riparian Zones: It is crucial to protect and restore riparian zones to maintain the health of the ecosystem. This can be done by preventing damage from construction, agriculture, or silviculture practices. In cases where damage has already occurred, biological restoration methods such as erosion control and revegetation can be employed.

Implementing Best Practices in Agriculture: Farmers can play a crucial role in creating and maintaining riparian corridors. By using riparian areas effectively, they can benefit their farms while also preserving the vitality of nearby streams and rivers. This includes practices such as creating buffer zones, implementing erosion control measures, and adopting sustainable farming techniques.

Educating and Raising Awareness: Educating the public about the importance of riparian corridors and how they can protect them is essential. This can be done through educational programs, artwork, and activities that raise awareness about the value of riparian zones for the environment and human well-being.

By following these steps and understanding the unique characteristics and importance of riparian corridors, we can effectively create and maintain these vital ecosystems, ensuring the health and sustainability of our streams and rivers for both humans and wildlife.

Use air stripping to remove contaminants

Air stripping is a water treatment technology that can be used to remove contaminants from a stream of water. It is a process that uses air to remove contaminants from water, specifically targeting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that evaporate easily, such as fuels, solvents, and disinfection byproducts.

The process of air stripping involves pumping contaminated water through a large chamber or tower, where it is sprayed or distributed over packing material, such as trays or columns with a large surface area. The packing material allows the water to slowly trickle down while a fan or blower forces air upwards, causing the contaminants to evaporate and be removed from the water. The clean water is then collected at the bottom of the chamber. This process is known as mass transfer and is based on Henry's Law, which predicts how effectively a contaminant will move from the water into the air.

There are several types of air strippers, including towers, stacked trays, sliding trays, and diffused aeration systems. Sliding tray air strippers tend to have lower costs and are less prone to fouling, while packed towers offer higher capacities and greater removal capabilities for more complex treatments. The type of air stripper used depends on factors such as flow capacity, influent concentrations, and removal requirements.

Air stripping is particularly effective at removing VOCs, which are a diverse group of chemicals found in water due to industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. These compounds are volatile and can quickly evaporate into the air, making them challenging to control and remove. By using air stripping, these hazardous compounds can be removed, ensuring the production of clean and safe water for consumption or reuse.

In addition to VOCs, air stripping can also remove other contaminants, such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, radon, and dissolved gases like methane and carbon dioxide (CO2). It is a versatile and effective method for treating groundwater and wastewater, especially in highly contaminated sites, and plays a vital role in producing safe drinking water.

Support local toxic drop-off sites

Water pollution is a critical issue that poses a threat to both the environment and human health. It occurs when harmful substances, often chemicals or microorganisms, contaminate water bodies, degrading water quality and making it toxic. To address this issue, it is essential to support local toxic drop-off sites that facilitate the proper disposal and management of hazardous waste.

Local toxic drop-off sites play a crucial role in preventing toxic substances from ending up in our streams, rivers, and lakes. These sites provide a designated place for individuals and households to dispose of hazardous waste that should not be thrown into regular trash bins or poured down the drain. By offering this service, these drop-off locations help keep toxic chemicals out of our water systems, reducing the risk of water pollution.

There are typically two types of local drop-off sites: those operated by local governments (municipalities or counties) and those run by commercial recyclers. Local government collection contacts can usually be found through a searchable list or by contacting city, township, or county officials. Commercial recyclers can often be located through recycling directories, where they work in collaboration with environmental agencies to market their collection services to households.

When utilizing local toxic drop-off sites, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure safe and proper disposal. Household hazardous waste should be transported in sealed containers, preferably 5 gallons or less in size, and properly labeled with their contents. Some common materials accepted at these drop-off facilities include batteries, appliances, electronics, paints, stains, cleansers, and problem materials such as computers.

In addition to using local toxic drop-off sites, individuals can also take proactive steps to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals at home. This includes reading labels and choosing less toxic products, making non-toxic cleaners, and properly using, storing, and disposing of hazardous products. By supporting local toxic drop-off sites and adopting sustainable practices, we can collectively contribute to reducing water pollution and protecting our precious water resources.

Frequently asked questions