Understanding Beach Pollution: Causes And Human Impact

Beach pollution is a pressing environmental issue that poses a threat to the health and well-being of our planet. Oceans cover 70% of the Earth's surface and play a critical role in the health of our ecosystem, including humans and other land-dwelling creatures. Beach pollution is primarily caused by human activity, with 80% of marine pollution originating on land. A combination of runoff pollution, sewage overflows, and littering are the main contributors to this issue. Runoff pollution occurs when rainfall or snowmelt carries pollutants such as oil, chemicals, fertilizers, and animal and human waste from the land into the ocean. Sewage overflows, or combined sewer overflows (CSOs), occur during heavy rainfall when the volume of wastewater exceeds the capacity of the sewer system, resulting in the discharge of raw sewage into nearby water bodies. In addition, littering and inefficient waste management methods lead to the accumulation of trash, plastic debris, and abandoned fishing gear on beaches and in the ocean, harming marine life and destroying habitats.

Sewage overflows

Causes of Sewage Overflows

Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)

Sanitary sewer systems are designed to collect and transport sewage to treatment facilities. However, unintentional discharges of raw sewage, known as sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), can occur due to various reasons. These include blockages, line breaks, sewer defects, lapses in operation and maintenance, power failures, inadequate sewer design, and vandalism. SSOs are particularly common in older or undersized sanitary sewer systems, which are not designed to handle large volumes of rainwater.

Impact of Sewage Overflows

Preventing Sewage Overflows

To prevent sewage overflows and reduce beach pollution, it is crucial to address the underlying issues. This includes improving wastewater infrastructure, ensuring proper maintenance and operation of sewer systems, and advocating for robust beach water quality monitoring programs. By taking proactive measures, we can protect public health, preserve coastal ecosystems, and maintain the economic value that clean beaches provide to communities.

Nonpoint source pollution

Common household items, such as dish soaps, dishwasher detergents, and fertilizers, can also contain nutrients that contribute to nonpoint source pollution. These products can contain phosphorus, which can travel down drains and eventually reach beaches, leading to an excess of nutrients in the water. This can cause harmful algal blooms (HABs) that release toxins detrimental to human and wildlife health.

The impact of nonpoint source pollution on coastal communities can be significant. It can drive down property values and negatively affect the local economy and social conditions. With increased control over point source pollution, scientists are now focusing on addressing nonpoint source pollution and finding ways to mitigate its effects on the environment.

Overall, nonpoint source pollution is a significant issue that requires collective efforts to reduce its impact on coastal ecosystems and human health. By properly disposing of waste, reducing the use of harmful chemicals, and implementing measures to control stormwater runoff, we can help minimize the effects of nonpoint source pollution on our beaches and oceans.

Plastic and other waste

Marine debris, which includes abandoned or lost fishing gear, is a chronic source of pollution that affects oceans, lakes, and streams. It is a severe problem as it can trap and kill marine species, damage sensitive habitats, and impair current fishing operations. Plastic waste is particularly harmful as it does not easily decompose and can persist in the environment for long periods, harming marine life and destroying natural habitats.

Nonpoint source pollution, caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, is a significant contributor to beach pollution. This type of pollution comes from many diffuse sources, such as individual cars, boats, farms, and construction sites, and often has a larger and more destructive impact. For example, after a heavy rainstorm, oil and other contaminants left on streets by vehicles can be washed into storm drains and eventually make their way to beaches, impacting the health of both humans and marine ecosystems.

Point source pollution, on the other hand, originates from a single, identifiable source such as a factory, sewage treatment facility, farm, or septic tank. Sewage overflows, including combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), are common sources of raw sewage appearing on beaches. These overflows can occur due to various factors, such as blockages, line breaks, stormwater overload, and inadequate sewer design or maintenance.

To reduce beach pollution from plastic and other waste, it is essential to properly dispose of plastics and other recyclable materials. This includes disposing of trash in secure receptacles provided in outdoor spaces like beaches and parks, or taking it home to be recycled or properly discarded. By encouraging proper disposal and improving waste management practices, we can help mitigate the impact of plastic and other waste on beach pollution.

Industrial and domestic wastewater

Combined sewer systems (CSSs) are common in over 860 municipalities in the United States. They are designed to collect rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater in the same pipe. Typically, the wastewater is transported to a treatment facility and then discharged into a nearby body of water. However, during heavy rainfall, the volume of wastewater can exceed the capacity of the system, leading to combined sewer overflows (CSOs). These overflows contain a mixture of raw sewage, industrial wastewater, and stormwater, which can result in beach closures, shellfish bed closures, and aesthetic issues.

Sanitary sewer systems (SSSs), on the other hand, are designed specifically to collect and transport industrial and domestic wastewater to a treatment facility. Unlike CSSs, SSS pipes have a smaller capacity and are not equipped to handle large amounts of rainwater. As a result, heavy precipitation can cause sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), where raw sewage leaks into nearby bodies of water. The EPA estimates that there are at least 23,000 to 75,000 SSOs in the United States each year, making them a significant contributor to wet weather discharge.

Both CSOs and SSOs are categorized as point source pollution, which originates from a single, identifiable source. Examples of point sources include factories, sewage treatment facilities, farms, and septic tanks. Nonpoint source pollution, caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over the ground, is more challenging to pinpoint as it comes from various diffuse sources. However, nonpoint source pollution often has a more extensive and destructive impact. For instance, after a heavy rainstorm, oil left on streets by cars can be washed into the ocean, contributing to beach pollution.

Domestic wastewater, or sewage, can contain various pollutants that are harmful to beach ecosystems and human health. Common household items such as dish soaps, dishwasher detergents, and fertilizers can contribute to nutrient pollution. These products often contain phosphates, which can promote the growth of harmful algal blooms (HABs) that disrupt aquatic ecosystems and release toxins. Additionally, domestic sewage can introduce bacteria, fertilizers, and chemicals into the water, posing health risks for beachgoers.

Extreme weather events

Heavy rainfall and flooding, key manifestations of extreme weather, directly impact beach pollution by causing sewer overflows. Combined sewer systems, designed to manage rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater, can be overwhelmed during periods of intense precipitation. This leads to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), resulting in the discharge of untreated wastewater, raw sewage, and stormwater directly into water bodies, ultimately affecting beaches.

The overflows from combined and sanitary sewers introduce a range of contaminants onto beaches. These include raw sewage, industrial wastewater, and stormwater, creating unsanitary conditions and health risks for beachgoers. The presence of bacteria, fertilizers, animal and human waste, and trash in the water and sand can cause various illnesses for those who come into contact with it.

Additionally, extreme weather events can exacerbate beach pollution through stormwater runoff. As rain or snowmelt flows over land and impervious surfaces, it picks up pollutants such as pet waste, animal manure, fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, motor oil, and soil. This polluted stormwater then makes its way into storm drains, rivers, and ultimately, oceans, leading to contaminated beaches.

The impact of extreme weather on beach pollution is further compounded by damaged infrastructure. Intense storms, hurricanes, and flooding can damage wastewater treatment facilities and other infrastructure, leading to the release of untreated wastewater and pollutants into coastal areas. This contributes to the degradation of beach habitats and poses risks to the health and well-being of both the environment and humans.

Climate change-induced extreme weather events, driven by human activities, are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. The scientific community is working to address the challenges posed by these events, emphasizing the collaboration between environmental chemists and climate change experts to develop risk assessment and remediation strategies.

Frequently asked questions