Toxic wastewater from untreated sewage flows from the Tijuana River across the U.S.-Mexico border into the Pacific Ocean and significantly degrades San Diego air quality. The river has carried millions of gallons of untreated sewage for decades, prompting more than 1,300 consecutive days of beach closures along the Imperial Beach coastline. The wastewater plume is visible on NASA satellite images. The river releases hydrogen sulfide at rates about 4,500 times typical levels, creating odorous and harmful 'sewer gas.' Airborne pollutants can travel miles and expose people through inhalation, so beach closures alone do not prevent exposure.
A new study from UC San Diego researchers published Thursday in Science magazine revealed that the toxic wastewater from untreated sewage flowing across the U.S.-Mexico border isn't just polluting the Pacific Ocean - it's also significantly affecting San Diego's air quality. The Tijuana River has carried millions of gallons of untreated sewage for decades, prompting more than 1,300 days of consecutive beach closures on the Imperial
Beach coastline along the border. The toxic pollution has become so intense that the wastewater plume is visible on NASA satellite images. But Kim Prather, an atmospheric scientist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, distinguished professor at UC San Diego and an author on the study, said the new research also examined toxic gases coming "in and out" of the river that affect areas far beyond the beach. She described it as a "global issue."
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