In the UK, Walsall Canal has been polluted with cyanide. Specifically, sodium cyanide also known as cyanide salt. People and dogs and even cats face a potentially serious risk to health. The toxic chemicals are linked to a metal finishing company nearby.
The Environment Agency (EA) is one of the authorities investigating the incident in the West Midlands of England.
The compound can release cyanide in the body if ingested and it can also be absorbed through the skin.
The EA has named Anochrome Ltd, of Reservoir Place, as the likely cause of the pollution which has now stopped according to the EA.
Anochrome’s website describes itself as an “environmentally aware organisation”.
The EA is investigating the company to find out the cause of the spill.
Dead fish have been spotted in the canal.
Walsall Council said that “There is a potentially serious risk to health if you or your pets are exposed.”
The council has asked people to keep away from the canal tow path.
“Spillages such as this are cause for concern and something that could take days to remedy”, according to Jonathan Paul, a senior lecturer in geosciences at Royal Holloway University of London.
“Numerical and analytical modelling is being carried out as quickly as possible in order to establish the speed and direction in which the cyanide plume might spread.” (Walsall Council).
A couple living on a narrow boat on the canal have been stuck inside their boat due to the restrictions put in place. They want the water to remain as undisturbed as possible. They want everything to stay still to prevent a plume of cyanide being emitted from the canal.
More: Are perfumes toxic to cats?
River pollution in the UK in general
River pollution in the UK is a significant environmental issue. It affects ecosystems, wildlife, public health including the health of domestic animals as mentioned. Here’s a brief list of the kind of pollution that takes place.
Agricultural run-off: this involves nutrient pollution i.e. fertilisers used in agriculture often contain high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. When it rains these nutrients run-off into rivers causing algal blooms.
Agricultural pesticides: these are used to control pests on farms and they can wash into rivers leading to toxicity which affects fish, insects and plants.
Sewage and wastewater: The Times newspaper has been running a campaign about sewage washing into rivers and the sea. In many areas of the UK the sewer systems combine stormwater and sewerage. During heavy rains the system can become overwhelmed leading to discharge of untreated sewage into rivers. This happened incidentally during the Paris Olympics which interrupted the triathlon.
Microplastics: wastewater treatment plants often fail to fully filter out microplastics. These are everywhere in rivers and the oceans. They are inside us.
Industrial pollution: this includes chemical discharges as referred to on this page. It can include heavy metals, oils and other toxic substances. It also includes thermal pollution when industries use water for cooling purposes. This may discharge warmer water back into rivers which disrupts local ecosystems.
Urban run-off: this includes surface run-off from cites and towns which have large areas of impermeable services like roads and pavements. When it rains water runs off the surfaces carrying oil, grease, heavy metals and other pollutants into rivers. Also litter and plastics from urban areas contribute to river pollution.
Chemical pollution: this includes pharmaceutical companies’ products including traces of drugs and antibiotics and hormones being found in UK rivers which can affect the reproductive system of fish and other aquatic organisms. I recently wrote about sharks being found to be contaminated with cocaine.
Climate change: increase rainfall and flooding due to climate change can lead to more run-off carrying pollutants into rivers. It can also cause erosion contributing to sediment pollution. In addition, rising water temperatures due to climate change can exacerbate the effects of pollution and harm sensitive species.
Impact on ecosystems and public health: pollution has led to a decline in fish populations and other aquatic life in disrupting entire ecosystems. This is biodiversity loss. There are also health risks as mentioned on this page directly to humans and to their pets. Pathogens and toxic chemicals in rivers can cause disease and long-term health issues.
Regulation and mitigation efforts: the UK has regulations in place to control pollution such as the Water Framework Directive. This aims to improve water quality across Europe. It’s been a challenge to enforce these regulations. In addition environmental agencies and NGOs are working to monitor and reduce pollution.
Recent developments: there’s been an increase in public awareness and political pressure on water companies thanks largely I would argue to The Times newspaper’s campaign among other campaigns. In recent years there have been calls for stricter regulations. In addition there’s been the involvement of citizens in monitoring water quality which is a growing activity with local communities playing a role in identifying pollution incidents and advocating for cleaner rivers. This is described as “citizen science”.
