Land-based Sources Of Pollution Research Articles

Land-based sources of pollution and environmental quality of Weija Lake

A survey of land-based sources of pollution was undertaken in the catchment area of Weija Lake. Activities that may influence the quality of the environment, and the sources, amounts and effects of the pollution of the water body were assessed. Water and precipitation chemistry showed that Na:Ca (0.48) and Na:K (2.0) ratios were influenced by individual pollution and terrestrial dust. However, Na:Cl (0.74) and Na:Mg (1.06) ratios suggest an oceanic origin of these ions. Mean phosphate load of 100.4 t yr-1 for Weija Lake was enough for eutrophication to take place. There was an input of 12.42 t yr-1 from settlements, and 9.072 t yr-1 from fertilizer input through runoff, and then the Densu River also had an input of 1,217.6 t yr-1 into the Weija Lake. Similarly, the sources of pollution from settlements, runoff from fertilizer input from the River Densu revealed that the major contributor of nutrients and BOD into the Weija Lake is the River Densu. This can be attributed mainly to the dumping of garbage, solid and liquid wastes upstream of the River Densu. The high mean nitrogen load of 3,003 t yr-1 can also be attributed to organic nitrogen input from domestic and agricultural origin. This was due to the high seasonal trend of nitrate in the months of March and May as a result of the main ploughing periods for farming in the Weija Lake catchment area, where fertilizer is applied. Preliminary recommendations and remedial measures to solve the problems as assessed, and proposed for preventive remedial and/or control measures were made. (Journal of the Ghana Science Association: 2001 3(3): 100-108)

Assessment of air, water and land-based sources of pollution in the coastal zone of the Accra-Tema metropolitan area

A quantitative assessment of air, water and land-based sources of pollution to the coastal zone of the Accra-Tema Metropolitan Area of Ghana was conducted by making an emission inventory from information on industrial, commercial and domestic activities. Three sources of air pollution were analysed, viz, emission from mobile combustion engine sources, stationary combustion sources and industrial processes. The mobile combustion sources were the largest contributors to air pollution. Concerning water pollution, 15 industrial types were investigated. The Food and Beverage industry accounted for more than 80% of the total waste volume discharged per annum. The major rivers collectively contributed more water pollution loads to the coastal zone than the industrial effects. They, however, have less negative effect. Solid waste loads, mainly in the form of dry solids and sludge, from 16 industrial types, commercial and domestic sources were computed. Commercial and domestic activities accounted for more than 50% of the solid waste load discharged per annum. About 40% of waste sludge is discharged into drains; some are incinerated, while others are disposed off by land filling. (Journal of the Ghana Science Association: 2001 3(3): 126-135)

Preliminary results about contaminants in the biota of Lake Baikal

Recent analyses of the muscle of several fish specimens and the muscle, liver and fat of the Baikal seal show low levels of heavy metals and organochlorine compounds.Present and past observations suggest that despite land-based sources of pollution, the general health status of the lake is good. However, because of increasing local air pollution, the long-range transport of pollutants emitted elsewhere and the expected increase in pollutants reaching the lake via rivers, extremely careful control measures in the hydrographic basin and continuous monitoring of the lake water are essential.

Preliminary results about contaminants in the biota of Lake Baikal

Abstract Recent analyses of the muscle of several fish specimens and the muscle, liver and fat of the Baikal seal show low levels of heavy metals and organochlorine compounds. Present and past observations suggest that despite land-based sources of pollution, the general health status of the lake is good. However, because of increasing local air pollution, the long-range transport of pollutants emitted elsewhere and the expected increase in pollutants reaching the lake via rivers, extremely careful control measures in the hydrographic basin and continuous monitoring of the lake water are essential.

Region-wide assessment of the land-based sources of pollution of the black sea

Black Sea riparian countries have committed to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment of the Black Sea from land-based sources in accordance with Article VII of the Bucharest Convention. Gathering information on the sources of pollution was one of the basic requirements of the Odessa Ministerial Declaration of the Black Sea countries. This paper presents a summary of the outcome of the studies conducted to fulfil this obligation. The aim of this study has been limited to the point sources of wastewater discharges including domestic as well as industrial discharges. The inputs through main rivers were also included in the scope. Solid wastes directly or indirectly discharged or dumped into the Black Sea were not included in this study. Diffuse sources, surface runoff (storm water) and air emissions were not included in the scope of the study. In this paper, total domestic, industrial and riverine pollution loads of the major pollutants such as BOD, TSS, TN and TP were presented for each of the six Black Sea riparian countries after compilation of the data. Rapid assessment techniques of WHO were adopted in the study to estimate the pollutant loads of the point sources. The major source of contamination to the Black Sea arises as a result of the inputs of contaminants from international rivers, especially the River Danube. The other international rivers are also crucial in the pollution of the Black Sea, although the River Danube is the dominant pollutant source. The fact that the total riverine input is about 85% of the total pollution load of BOD demonstrates the significance of the control of the riverine sources. Total pollution loads of each Black Sea country and their breakdown as domestic, industrial and riverine inputs were presented both in graphical and in tabulated forms. Furthermore, the contribution of the oil pollution and pollution exchange through straits (Kerch and Bosphorus Straits) are also given.

Region-wide assessment of the land-based sources of pollution of the black sea

Black Sea riparian countries have committed to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment of the Black Sea from land-based sources in accordance with Article VII of the Bucharest Convention. Gathering information on the sources of pollution was one of the basic requirements of the Odessa Ministerial Declaration of the Black Sea countries. This paper presents a summary of the outcome of the studies conducted to fulfil this obligation. The aim of this study has been limited to the point sources of wastewater discharges including domestic as well as industrial discharges. The inputs through main rivers were also included in the scope. Solid wastes directly or indirectly discharged or dumped into the Black Sea were not included in this study. Diffuse sources, surface runoff (storm water) and air emissions were not included in the scope of the study. In this paper, total domestic, industrial and riverine pollution loads of the major pollutants such as BOD, TSS, TN and TP were presented for each of the six Black Sea riparian countries after compilation of the data. Rapid assessment techniques of WHO were adopted in the study to estimate the pollutant loads of the point sources. The major source of contamination to the Black Sea arises as a result of the inputs of contaminants from international rivers, especially the River Danube. The other international rivers are also crucial in the pollution of the Black Sea, although the River Danube is the dominant pollutant source. The fact that the total riverine input is about 85% of the total pollution load of BOD demonstrates the significance of the control of the riverine sources. Total pollution loads of each Black Sea country and their breakdown as domestic, industrial and riverine inputs were presented both in graphical and in tabulated forms. Furthermore, the contribution of the oil pollution and pollution exchange through straits (Kerch and Bosphorus Straits) are also given.

Land-based sources of pollution along the black sea coast of Turkey: Concentrations and annual loads to the black sea

Concentrations of inorganic pollutants, pesticides and PCBs were measured in 42 sources including rivers, streams, and industrial and domestic discharge points along the Turkish Black Sea coast in three seasons of the year 1993. The measured concentrations were compared with water quality standards currently effective in Turkey in order to determine the levels of pollution in the rivers and streams. Concentrations were also combined with the water discharge data to determine annual loads of pollutants discharged from each source into the Black Sea. Concentrations of measured parameters were much higher in domestic and industrial discharges, as expected. Most of the rivers and streams were polluted with organic material, nitrogen and phosphorous species due to discharges of untreated domestic wastes into these streams. Metal concentrations measured in the rivers and streams were fairly low due to the lack of extensive industrialization in the drainage areas of the streams. Some of the small streams, including the Neyren, Kilimli, Zafir and Tabakhane streams, are heavily polluted and were identified as sources having the potential to generate hot spots along the coast. Annually, a total of 39.700 tons of nitrogen, 3.700 tons of phosphorous, 15 tons of Cd, 340 tons of Cu, 60 tons of Pb, 1.200 tons of Zn, 12 tons of heptachlor, 11 tons of aldrin, 31 tons of dieldrin, 180 tons of endrin and 500 tons of DDT are discharged from Turkish sources into the Black Sea. Except for trace metals, rivers and streams dominate the flux of pollutants. Large industries along the coast that discharge their wastes directly to the Black Sea account for a significant fraction of the annual metal discharges. Pesticides and PCBs were detected in most of the sources included in the study indicating their illegal use in agriculture. The Sakarya river was the most important source of pesticides.

Environmental monitoring and governance in East Asia

UNU is developing a regional environmental scenario for East Asia, and researching policy options on what actions should and can be taken by whom, when and where for sustainable development. The UNU Project on ‘Environmental Monitoring and Analysis of the East Asian Region: Technology Transfer and Environmental Governance’ is a multilateral monitoring project involving eight countries in East Asia. The project has a good governance objective and focuses on monitoring land-based sources of pollution — pesticides, industrial waste, contaminants in water and air pollution. Over 80% of global marine pollution is caused not by pollution at sea, but from land-based sources (UNEP/EASAP/RCU, 1997). International accords that have regard to land-based types of activities have been selected under the project for closer review with the objective of developing effective food, water and air regimes.

A review of marine pollution issues in the Caribbean

Marine pollution and coastal degradation have become serious development issues in the Caribbean. Early evidence of marine pollution was mainly anecdotal, but within the last 10--15 years, work conducted by universities and research institutions in the Region has provided the beginnings of a database that identifies several common marine pollution problems. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and the Pan American World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) have also been instrumental in co-ordinating several marine pollution studies. In the English-speaking Caribbean, the University of the West Indies, the Institute of Marine Affairs in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute located in St Lucia, have taken a lead role in identifying marine pollution problems in their Sub-Region. For the Wider Caribbean a database for petroleum pollution and marine debris has been developed. Land-based sources of marine pollution have been identified as a major problem, with several ‘hot spots’ identified in mainland countries and in some of the larger industrialised islands. Organic and nutrient pollution, particularly from sewage, is most widespread and is possibly the most serious marine pollution problem in the Caribbean. A lack of capital investment funds to install the appropriate infrastructure to deal with sewage and other liquid effluents is a major stumbling block to solving the problem of marine pollution in the Caribbean. Other factors include political will and administrative and legal structures to regulate human development activities.

Some recent regulatory developments in IMO for which there are corresponding requirements in the United Nations convention on the law of the sea. A challenge to be met by the states parties?

The paper highlights current developments within the International Maritime Organisation and elsewhere in the UN system on a number of issues on which corresponding requirements may be found in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, at the same time questioning as to whether Parties to the latter fully realise that they have an obligation under several articles of the convention to adopt laws and regulations which “shall at least have the same effect as that of generally accepted rules and standards established through the competent international organisation or general diplomatic conference”. The first issue highlighted in the paper, is the action taken by IMO to extend Port State Control to operational requirements under the SOLAS 1974 and Marpol 73/78 Conventions, together with the steps taken to clarify and consolidate Port State Control procedures as contained in IMO Assembly resolution A.787(19) adopted in November 1995. The second issue highlighted, concerns current consideration, in particular within IMO and the 1972 London Convention, relating to Article 208 of the UN Convention that calls for the establishment, inter alia, of global rules, etc, to prevent, reduce and control pollution arising from sea-bed activities subject to national jurisdiction. Thirdly, the paper refers to the Washington Declaration and Global Programme of Action adopted by the Intergovernmental Conference convened by UNEP in Washington DC in October/November 1995, particularly the intention of government representatives present at the conference to develop a global, legally binding instrument in respect of persistent organic pollutants identified in decision 18/32 of the Governing Council of UNEP, this being relevant to Article 207(4) of the UN Convention relating to land-based sources of marine pollution.

U.S. and Europe boost chemical cooperation

Cooperation between the U.S. and Europe be boosted in more than 150 policy areas—many affecting the chemical industry and environmental protection—by a pact signed last week in Madrid. At a summit meeting, U.S. and European Union (EU) leaders adopted a political declaration, the New Transatlantic Agenda, and a 21-page action plan to implement it. The agenda has broad goals, including promoting peace and democracy, responding to global challenges, and expanding world trade. But the pact also calls for the U.S. and EU to cooperate on exchanging information and reporting on global environmental issues—such as climate change, biodiversity, and stratospheric ozone depletion. In addition, the countries promise to reduce land-based sources of marine pollution and to encourage sustainable management of forests. Specifically affecting the chemical industry is a provision that the U.S. and EU will work together to exchange ... sensitive information for the preclearance of shipments of essential and precurso...

The United States Coral Reef Initiative: an overview of the first steps

M.P. Crosby, S.F. Drake, C.M. Eakin, N.B. Fanning, A. Paterson, P. R. Taylor, J. Wilson Introduction The United States, along with many other nations, is con- cerned that the health of coral reefs and related ecosystems is deteriorating rapidly all over the world. Agenda 21, the final document of the 1992 Earth Summit, identifies corm reefs as ecosystems of great biodiversity and production to be accorded high priority for protection, and calls for an integrated management approach for their protection and sustainable use. The call by scientific, management and environmental advocacy communities for action towards a coordinated strategy for coral reef research and manage- ment has grown dramatically in recent years (i. e. Coral Reefs 13(4) editorial by R.W. Grigg). Some sources esti- mate that 10% of all reefs have been degraded beyond recovery, and another 20-30% are in peril over the next 10-20 years. As an initial effort to counter this trend, the United States is developing an interagency Coral Reef Ini- tiative (CRI) to create the base for a combined domestic and international effort aimed at the conservation and ef- fective management of coral reefs and related ecosystems (mangroves and sea grass beds). A U.S. CRI Coordination Team and Steering Committee have been created and staf- fed by personnel from a number of U.S. agencies to coordinate the development of the Initiative. Effective management of coral reef ecosystems addresses such glo- bal environmental concerns as biodiversity, land-based sources of marine pollution, sustainable development and climate change. Hence, the U.S., Japan, Australia, Jamai- ca, France, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines have also announced an International CRI to protect coral reefs in partnership with other coral reef nations around the world, non-governmental organizations, international or- ganizations, multilateral development banks, and private sector businesses. The State Department is currently pro- viding the overall Coordination Office for the international

Strategy for the Control of Land-Based Sources of Marine Pollution in the Wider Caribbean Region

Abstract The pollution of the marine environment caused by land-based sources threatens or impairs the health of the ecosystems and the value of human uses of the coastal waters. the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region agreed to take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution. in the first meeting of the Contracting Parties, the development of a protocol on the control of marine pollution from land-based sources was recommended as a measure to protect the marine environment. A small group of experts from the Caribbean Region formulated a strategy for controlling land-based sources of marine pollution. Due to the diverse nature, resources and capabilities of the countries comprising the Region, the pollution control strategy suggested by the group of experts included the following techniques or their most appropriate combination: (1) pollution prevention measures, (2) effluent limitations, (3...

International cooperation in aquaculture: Legal aspects

The article highlights the contributions that aquaculture may make towards resolving the problem of the global depletion of fish stocks. The dangers posed by land-based sources of pollution are stressed and the article outlines international and regional initiatives to control marine pollution.

Landbased Pollution Sources and Marine Environmental Quality in the Caribbean

Abstract The near shore coastal and marine environment of several Caribbean islands is their most biologically productive and economically important zone. However, almost all landbased activities possess the real potential of degrading the quality of near shore waters and ultimately diminishing the utility of the marine resource. This condition is largely attributed to the individual smallness of the islands and their geographic proximity to each other. Available sanitary water quality data from across the region indicated that while recreational areas are in general safe for water contact activities, bacterial densities in excess of several international criteria are consistently recorded in harbours. Organochlorine pesticide residues were generally in the 5 ng l−1 range in unfiltered sea water but were significantly higher (1–100) ng g−1 in limited samples of sediment and biota. Additional data requirements to gain further insight into the current state of the Caribbean environment are also identified. ...

The control of land-based sources of marine pollution: Recent international initiatives and prospects

There is ample evidence that the oceans cannot provide the infinite sink for wastes and sustain the level of resource extraction and coastal zone development that was originally thought possible. There is also consensus that land-based sources of marine pollution are not adequately addressed and further serious degradation of the marine environment will occur without concerted new action. The expectation for the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) is that this challenge will be met through a renewed commitment by all states to prevent, reduce and control degradation of the marine environment from land-based sources of pollution and activities.

Economic measures to protect the environment

trol of land-based sources of marine pollution lies in the interrelationship between economic and environmental policies. National governments should be encouraged to use economic instruments to support and improve existing regulatory systems. It is likely that economic instruments drawn from the categories of charges, subsidies and financial enforcement incentives will be of the greatest assistance in protecting the marine environment. Economic instruments, because they can be self financing, making use of markets and allocating costs between polluters, are generally, more efficient than a strictly regulatory approach. It is recommended that a high priority be given to research into economic instruments and their appli~tion where appropriate to land-based sources of marine pollution.

(1) The north sea

This case study outlines Belgium's policy towards land-based sources of marine pollution, putting that policy in the context of regional and international efforts to combat land-based sources of pollution.

Land-based sources of marine pollution: Current legal regime

Land-based sources of marine pollution: Current legal regime

Treaty progresses on Mediterranean cleanup

The preparation of a treaty to eliminate or reduce land-based sources of pollution of the Mediterranean was discussed at a recent Geneva meeting, which involved scientific and legal experts from 14 of the 18 countries bordering the Mediterranean. The meeting was sponsored by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Under the treaty, there will be uniform emission standards only for extremely toxic substances. The treaty will provide for a blacklist of substances that are highly toxic, environmentally persistent, and bioaccumulative, including lubricating oils and plastics. Those who sign the treaty will be required to exchange information on the discharge authorizations they grant, will share the results of pollution monitoring studies, and will inform one another of the quantities of pollutants emanating from their respective territories. One of UNEP's major successes was the adoption by 16 countries of two protocols involving water pollution by oil and other substances dumped from ships.