Pollution Problem in the Potomac River

Pollution in the Potomac River

The Pollution Problem in the Potomac River

Situation Statement

The problem which is to be addressed in this paper is that of pollution in the Potomac River. It has been recognized that as development of residential and industrial centers has progressed along the river, a decline in the quality of the water has been noted as various chemical pollutants have been introduced to the water. This is crucial to address, as the levels of pollution being reached may have potentially disastrous consequences for the flora and fauna along the river and the ecosystem as a whole.

Background on the Issue

There have been many studies which have indicated there to be a growing problem with pollution in the Potomac River, with many also indicating varied consequences of this problem. Studies have shown that water quality varies markedly along the course of the river, with markedly poorer quality noted in those areas of the river receiving sewage effluent (Jones, Kelso and Schaeffer 351). It has also been noted that it may not only be the direct introduction of non-natural materials to the river which is causing a major problem, but also changes to the way which rainwater enters the river. For example the use of tarmac and other materials which accompany development along the river have reduced the amount of rainwater which is able to pass through natural filtration systems before entering the river. This then removes several steps which may naturally aid the removal of harmful elements from the water, leading to potentially harmful levels of some chemicals (Fahrenthold).

There is a great risk to the local flora and fauna posed by the increase in pollution. One of the main causes for concern is the levels of certain chemicals in the river. For example studies have shown there to be significant levels of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the river water which have led to mutations in the sexual reproduction systems of fish species (Davis, Foran and Mazik 100; Henderson et al. 99). These pollutants have also been shown to significantly impair the quality of sperm in some species (Henderson et al. 99). Both of these factors may indicate a significant cause for concern as they are possible indicators of future problems with reproduction and therefore possible problems with population maintenance. For example if species experience problems with reproduction then it is likely that a decline in numbers may be seen in the future.

There have also been several factors identified which may indicate significant eutrophication in the Potomac River. For example studies indicating much higher than expected levels of certain bacterioplankton and microbially labile organic carbon (MLOC) (Hamdan and Jonas 40) indicate that potentially harmful levels of eutrophication may be occurring in some areas. Although the accumulation of chemicals in the river has recently been identified as a problem there currently is a lack of monitoring to enable identification of their exact source.

3. Targets

From this background and the problem statement outlined in the first section of the essay it is possible to identify three targets to improve the situation and address some of the problems. These are:

1. Reduce the amount of sewage effluent which is allowed to be directly emptied into the Potomac River.

2. Better monitor the amount of chemicals which are being released into the river to accurately identify their source.

3. Introduction of measures to compensate for the current lack of natural filtration which rainwater passes through on its route to the river.

4. Pathways

There are then some pathways which may be put in place to address these targets, with an emphasis on working through the issues rather than working around them. This means that the actual source of the issue is addressed as opposed to ignored, which is important as otherwise further issues may arise at a future time. These are as follows:

1. Conduct studies to identify threshold levels of sewage effluent which may be harmful. Put better regulations in place to reduce the amount of sewage to below these thresholds and investigate other means of sewage disposal. This may involve placing additional means of filtration between raw sewage disposal and entry points to the river to reduce harmful effects. This is likely to have beneficial consequences for the environment, although may have undesirable industrial consequences, as additional costs may be associated with more stringent regulations. This may then also have societal and political implications as there in communities dependent on industry there is a delicate balance between the needs of the environment and those of business owners.