Contaminated River Runoff Pollutes Nearby Air Near Border, Study Reveals
Scientists have discovered that pollutants from the Tijuana River, which carries raw sewage and industrial waste from Mexico, are turning up in the air along the U.S.-Mexico border. The pollutants, which include illicit drugs, drug byproducts, and chemicals from tires and personal care items, are carried in water and stormwater runoff and become airborne in sea spray near the border.
Researchers from UC San Diego collected samples from air and water along the coast, including the U.S.-Mexico border, Imperial Beach, and La Jolla, to determine the presence of Fine particles of various pollutants in the air. The team found that concentrations were significantly higher in the air near the river mouth at the border and Imperial Beach than farther north along the coast at the Scripps Pier in La Jolla.
The scientists used a compound called benzoylecgonine, a byproduct of cocaine use found in urine, to trace the pollutants to wastewater. They tested for a dozen chemicals found in wastewater and urban runoff, including cocaine and methamphetamine, octinoxate from sunscreen, and dibenzylamine from tires. While some pollutant levels were minuscule, the tests also found methamphetamine in water at Imperial Beach at levels high enough for fish to develop an addiction and suffer withdrawal symptoms.
Tijuana River, which flows 120 miles, starting in Baja California and crossing into Southern California, then reaching the Pacific Ocean in Imperial Beach, has been plagued with raw sewage from Tijuana for decades. The river was recently named the country's second-most-endangered river by the group American Rivers. Some beaches in southern San Diego County have been closed for nearly all of the last three years because of high levels of bacteria flowing from the river.
The potential long-term health effects of breathing air pollution from the Tijuana River include respiratory illnesses, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems. Although the specific acute health effects remain unclear, researchers warn that breathing tiny aerosolized particles from the polluted water could contribute to lasting health consequences.
The scientists hope their findings will encourage more collaboration and investments in improving infrastructure to clean up the river, as well as greater awareness of the environmental effects of chemicals from tires and sunscreens. They advise that the global surge of untreated wastewater entering lakes, rivers, and oceans poses a growing health threat, particularly in coastal regions.
The Trump administration recently submitted a plan to Mexico that "the United States believes to be the 100% solution for the future" to halt the flow of untreated sewage in the river. American officials have been discussing ways to clean up the river with the Mexican government, while residents believe the air pollution from the watersedge is making them sick. Ramped-up efforts will be essential to mitigate potential long-term health risks for those living near the Tijuana River.
- The editorial highlights the issue of pollutants from the Tijuana River, originating in California and Mexico, affecting the air quality along the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Researchers collecting samples along the coast identified significant levels of pollutants near the river mouth and Imperial Beach, higher than other areas.
- Tracing pollutants to wastewater, scientists found various chemicals in water samples, including methamphetamine shown to have harmful effects on fish.
- The Tijuana River, crossing from Baja California to Southern California, has been contaminated with raw sewage for decades, impacting numerous beaches and being named the country's second-most-endangered river.
- Long-term health consequences of breathing the air pollutants in the Tijuana River region include respiratory illnesses, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems.
- The scientists urge collaboration and investments in improving the river's infrastructure to minimize health risks, addressing concerns about untreated wastewater entering lakes, rivers, and oceans worldwide.
- The Trump administration proposed a plan to Mexico to mitigate the flow of untreated sewage in the Tijuana River, while residents are concerned about the air pollution impacting their health.
- Environmental science emphasizes the critical role in addressing the global surge of chemicals from sources like tires and personal care items in lakes, rivers, and oceans, especially in coastal regions.
- The rise in focus on health-and-wellness, including mental health, skin care, and CBD products, should consider responsible disposal of chemicals to minimize negative environmental impacts.
