The spillage in August killed thousands of fish.
ENGLAND, BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS - 26th December 2024.
The Environment Agency reported that pollution levels have decreased to an "acceptable level," but advised the public to avoid contact with the water. The spill poses a serious health risk due to sodium cyanide's toxicity.
The canal section remains closed to boaters north of the Ocker Hill junction to the Wyrley and Essington Canal junction. Although the towpath reopened in early October, boating is still prohibited to prevent disturbance of the canal bed silt, which could release additional pollutants.
More than four months since a toxic chemical spill, a section of a canal remains shut to boats.
About 4,000 litres (879 gallons) of sodium cyanide and other chemicals leaked into a 12-mile (19km) stretch of the Walsall Canal in August.
While the towpath alongside the canal reopened in early October, boaters are still barred from navigating north of Ocker Hill junction to the junction with the Wyrley and Essington Canal.
The Canal and River Trust said it was waiting for the results of an ecological report into the water.
The water closure was put in place to prevent the disturbance of silt on the canal bed which could risk further pollutants being released into the water, a spokesperson added.
The source of the spill was confirmed as coming from Anochrome Ltd, which deals in surface coatings and sealing.
The firm previously said the incident "regrettably" released chemicals into the Walsall waterway and had made all facilities available to the authorities and agencies
The BBC has contacted the company for a latest comment.
In October, the Environment Agency said pollution levels had dropped to an "acceptable level" but the public should avoid contact with the water.
Water quality status before the pollution.
Before the pollution incident occurred, the water quality in the Walsall Canal was within public health guidelines. Laboratory tests conducted by the Environment Agency confirmed that the water quality was acceptable in significant stretches of the canal prior to the spill. However, there were instances of pollution in 2023, with the canal being polluted by sewage 11 times, each lasting about 7 hours. Despite these occasional issues, the overall status was considered moderate to good in terms of ecological health.
Pollution occurrence.
The pollution in the Walsall Canal occurred due to a chemical incident at Anochrome Ltd, a company that specializes in metal finishing and surface coatings. On August 12, 2924, a spillage of sodium cyanide and other chemicals took place at the Walsall site. The company confirmed that the incident resulted in the unintended release of these chemicals into the canal. Anochrome Ltd promptly notified the Environment Agency and other authorities, and they have been working collaboratively to contain and mitigate the spill's effects. The Environment Agency is investigating the cause of the spill and its impact on the environment.
Chemical properties of the pollutants.
Sodium cyanide:
Chemical formula and structure:
Sodium cyanide has the chemical formula NaCN. Which consists of sodium cation and cyanide anion, where the cyanide ion is composed of carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom.
Physical properties:
A white, water-soluble solid that can appear as crystalline or granular powder.
Reactivity:
Highly reactive, especially when in contact with acids; which can lead to the release of hydrogen cyanide gas- a toxic chemical asphyxiant. It also reacts violently with strong oxidants and can produce flammable hydrogen cyanide gas when in contact with acids or moisture.
Toxicity:
Extremely toxic and can be fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or when in contact with the skin. It acts as a potent inhibitor of cellular respiration by blocking electron transport in mitochondria, leading to a decreased oxidative metabolism and oxygen utilisation.
Environmental Impact:
Very toxic to aquatic life and can cause long-lasting effects on the environment.
Source of pollutants.
A chemical incident that caused the spillage of sodium cyanide from Anochrome Ltd company.
Pollutant screening and detection methods.
Colorimetric flow injection analysis:
This method is used to determine total cyanide in water samples, which is a common approach for analysing cyanide levels.
Fluorescent probes:
Used for the determination of cyanide in water samples. This method provides a selective ratiometric fluorescent response to cyanide thus allowing precise sensing and quantification of cyanide concentrations.
Gas and liquid chromatography:
Commonly used for the determination of cyanide ions, offering high sensitivity and specificity.
Signs that the water in the area is polluted.
Presence of dead fish: a clear indicator of pollution, as sodium cyanide is highly toxic to aquatic life.
Closure of canal sections: closed to boaters and the public was advised to avoid certain areas due to the risk posed by the pollutants.
Installation of temporary dams: temporary dams were installed across the canal to contain the spill and prevent the spread of pollutants.
Transportation, transformation, bioaccumulation & biomagnification.
Transportation: sodium cyanide disperses throughout the canal.
Transformation: the reaction of sodium cyanide with water produces hydrogen cyanide gas.
Bioaccumulation: the bioaccumulation of cyanide in aquatic life can occur rapidly and can lead to immediate death to fishes in the canal.
Biomagnification: poses as risk to predators that consume contaminated prey.
Health problems associated with polluted water.
Acute toxicity (nausea and confusion. In severe cases, leads to convulsions and loss of consciousness).
Respiratory effects.
Cardiovascular and central nervous system impact (fast heartbeat, leading to potential unconsciousness death).
Skin and eye irritation.
Chronic effects (headaches, dizziness, numbness, tremor, and loss of visual acuity).
Chemical pressure and ecological status.
The chemical pressure from the sodium cyanide spill in the Walsall Canal has been mitigated, with pollution levels reduced to an "acceptable level," but the ecological status remains uncertain as authorities await further ecological assessments.
Risk assessment.
Risk assessments involves evaluating the severity of pollution, its impact on public health, wildlife, and the environment
Public health risks: the contaminated water poses significant health risks, especially for children, pets, individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Impact on wildlife: poses a lethal threat to fish and other wildlife such as otters and water voles.
Environmental concern: the spill has caused widespread ecological damage due to the solubility of sodium cyanide in water, which allows it to disperse quickly.
Removal of pollutant properties from the water body.
Chemical oxidation: involves using chemical oxidizers like hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, or sodium hypochlorite to break down cyanide into less toxic compounds such as cyanate.
Adsorption: uses adsorbent materials like granular activated carbon to attract and retain cyanide ions, effectively removing them from the water.
Membrane filtration: uses semi-permeable membranes to physically separate cyanide ions from the water stream.
Ion exchange: uses resins to exchange ions in the water, capturing cyanide anions and retaining them until the resin is regenerated.
MALAYSIA, NEGERI SEMBILAN, SEREMBAN - 17 September 2024.
Initial investigations revealed that the river had been black and emitting a foul smell for some time. Two water samples were taken from the river for monitoring purposes.
The State Water Regulatory Body received information about a sewage plant suspected of discharging wastewater, believed to be the cause of the pollution. DoE officers, along with representatives from Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), entered the sewage treatment plant to conduct an investigation.
Discharge from a sewage plant located in a residential area near Sungai Sekah, Nilai is suspected of causing the river water to turn black and emit a foul odour.
State Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Climate Change, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman S. Veerapan said that a complaint on river pollution was received from a local resident named Ashri on Sept 8.
He added that the Negri Sembilan Department of Environment investigation team arrived at the site on the same day at 11.30am and met with the complainant, who is also a village resident.
"Initial investigations reveal that the river has been black and emitted a foul smell for some time. Two water samples were taken from the river for monitoring purposes.
"The State Water Regulatory Body also received information about a sewage plant suspected of discharging wastewater, which is believed to be the cause of the pollution.
"Following this, DoE officers, along with representatives from Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), entered the sewage treatment plant at 12.30pm to conduct an investigation," he said in a statement today.
Veerapan added that water samples were collected from both the sewage plant and Sungai Sekah by the relevant agency officers and sent to the Department of Chemistry Malaysia on Sept 10 for further action.
He added that further investigations led Negri Sembilan DoE to instruct IWK to implement immediate improvements to prevent undesirable incidents.
He said that the state government stresses the need for all parties to be responsible in maintaining environmental sustainability, including the quality of rivers which are a source of water for residents.
"The state government will not compromise on environmental issues, and strict actions will be taken against those found guilty or in violation of compliance regulations set by the authorities," he added.
Water quality status before the pollution.
There is no specific information about the water quality status of Sungai Sekah before the pollution incident.
Pollution occurrence.
Suspected to be caused by discharge from a sewage plant located in a residential area near Nilai. The complaint about the pollution was received on September 8, 2024, and initial investigators confirmed that the river had been in that condition for some time.
Chemical properties of the pollutants.
Iron Sulfide: A compound that is a primary cause of black river water.
Tannins: These are large polyphenolic compounds found in plant materials like bark, leaves, and seeds.
Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC): High levels of DOC can result from the breakdown of organic matter, contributing to the black colour of the water.
Source of pollutants.
Suspected to be discharge from a sewage plant located in a residential area near Nilai. The samples were analysed for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Nitrate, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Ammoniacal Nitrogen, which are indicators of organic pollution and nutrient contamination.
Pollutant screening and detection methods.
Chromatography and mass spectrometry: These laboratory-based methods are used to detect and quantify chemical contaminants in water samples.
Capillary Electrophoresis: This method separates ions based on their electrophoretic mobility with the use of an applied voltage.
Field-Flow fractionation: This technique separates particles based on their size and density, useful for analysing complex mixtures in water samples.
Signs that the water in the area is polluted.
Discolouration: The river water has turned black, which is a common indicator of pollution.
Foul odour: The river emits a foul smell, which often accompanies pollution incidents.
Presence of pollutants: Water samples taken from the river and a nearby sewage plant were analysed for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Nitrate, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Ammoniacal Nitrogen.
Transportation, transformation, bioaccumulation & biomagnification.
Transportation: sewage discharge into rivers can lead to the transportation of pollutants through hydrodynamic processes.
Transformation: organic pollutants may degrade into simpler compounds.
Bioaccumulation: organic pollutants may degrade into simpler compounds.
Biomagnification: small fish may ingest pollutants from the water or sediments, and larger fish or birds may consume these smaller organisms, leading to higher concentrations of pollutants in their bodies.
Health problems associated with polluted water.
Gastrointestinal diseases (diarrhea, cholera and dysentery).
Skin disease.
Infectious disease (typhoid and hepatitis).
Cancer.
Malnutrition.
Cardiovascular and nervous system issues.
Chemical pressure and ecological status.
Chemical pressure from pollutants, such as those from sewage discharge, can significantly impact the ecological status of rivers by altering water quality and affecting aquatic life, leading to poor ecological health and biodiversity loss.
Risk assessment.
Risk assessments involves evaluating the severity of pollution, its impact on public health, wildlife, and the environment.
Pollutants in water can pose significant health risks to humans, including exposure to toxic substances that can lead to various health issues.
Pollution can disrupt ecosystems by affecting the habitats and survival of aquatic species.
The overall quality of the environment is compromised by pollution, leading to long-term ecological damage.
Removal of pollutant properties from the water body.
Aeration: involves introducing air into the water to increase oxygen levels, which can help degrade organic pollutants and improve water quality.
Water diversion and transfer: involves redirecting water flow to dilute pollutants or to allow natural processes to cleanse the water.
Phytoremediation: uses plants to absorb and break down pollutants in the water. It is effective for removing heavy metals and organic compounds.
Constructed wetlands: effectively removes nutrients, organic pollutants, and suspended solids from river water.
An image of oil collecting on the affected waters.
PHILIPPINES, MANILA - 26 July 2024.
The Philippine-flagged tanker MT Terra Nova capsized and sank in Manila Bay on July 25, 2024, due to severe weather conditions caused by Typhoon Gaemi. The tanker was carrying approximately 1.4 million litres of industrial fuel oil.
The oil spill poses a significant threat to the marine environment and local livelihoods, particularly affecting fishermen and tourism operators in the area. The spill has already expanded significantly, covering several kilometres.
The spill could potentially become the worst in Philippine history if not contained, with fears that it could paralyze trade and economic activities in Manila Bay, a crucial area for the country's economy.
Greenpeace Philippines and other advocacy groups have urged immediate action to recover the vessel and its cargo to prevent further environmental damage.
The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed floating barriers and started to clean up an oil spill to prevent it from reaching the capital, Manila.
Authorities are racing to stop the oil spill from the 65-metre-long (213 feet) MT Terra Nova, which capsized on Thursday as monsoon rains battered large swathes of the country.
The leak appeared to be coming from the ship's engine, not its cargo tank, which was carrying close to 1.5 million litres of industrial fuel, officials said.
There are fears that the spill, which stretches out over several kilometres, could be the worst in the country's history if it is not contained.
Videos released by the coast guard show personnel siphoning oil from the affected waters with a bucket.
But officials are "preparing for the worst", said Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, the coast guard spokesman.
The area is popular with fishermen and there are fears the spill could affect both the fishing industry and marine life.
"We are talking about industrial fuel here... It will definitely affect the marine environment and could even reach us here in Manila," said Rear Adm Balilo.
Hernando Bacosa, an environmental sciences expert at the Mindanao State University, told the BBC that the amount of oil the MT Terra Nova was carrying would warrant the issuance of the country's highest oil spill alert.
"Manila Bay is where the Port of Manila is, the biggest port in the Philippines and the center of trade and economic activity. This could possibly paralyse the capital and the neighbouring areas," he said.
Rear Adm Balilo estimated that it would take a week to drain oil from the ship, which capsized in an area with a depth of 34 metres (111 feet), according to initial assessments.
However, Mr Bacosa said the relatively shallow terrain could make it easier to siphon oil from the sea.
He compared it with an incident last year where an oil tanker sank off the coast of another Philippine province at a depth of almost 400 metres (1,312 feet) - stating that the deep waters made it more different to clean up the oil.
The MT Princess Empress had been carrying 800,000 litres of industrial fuel oil - coating beaches in black sludge when it spilt.
The monsoon rains, which were worsened by Typhoon Gaemi, have delayed the coast guard's response and caused widespread flooding across Metro Manila and its suburbs.
Water quality status before the pollution occurred.
Manila Bay's water quality had shown significant improvement. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) reported a substantial reduction in fecal coliform levels in the Malabon-Navotas-Tullahan-Tinajeros River System, dropping from 3.7 billion MPN/100mL to 4.8 million MPN/100mL. This indicates efforts to improve water quality were yielding positive results prior to the pollution event.
Pollution occurrence.
The pollution occurrence in Manila Bay is primarily due to the capsizing and sinking of the MT Terra Nova, a Philippine-flagged tanker carrying 1.4 million litres of industrial fuel oil. The incident happened due to severe weather conditions caused by Typhon Gaemi. The tanker sank near Limay, Bataan, resulting in an oil spill that has expanded significantly, covering an area of 12-14 kilometres across the bay.
Chemical properties of the pollution.
Composition: Fuel oils are composed mainly of alkanes (paraffins), cycloalkanes (naphthenes), and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Hydrocarbons: These compounds are derived from crude petroleum and can vary significantly depending on the refining process.
Sulfur content: Fuel oils contain low percentages of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen compounds.
Viscosity and density: The physical properties of fuel oils, such as viscosity and density, are influenced by their chemical composition. These properties affect how the oil behaves in the environment and its potential impact on marine life.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Fuel oils may contain less than 5% PAHs, which are known environmental pollutants.
Source of pollutants.
the primary source of the pollution in Manila Bay is the capsized tanker MT Terra Nova. The flagged vessel was said to be carrying approximately 1.4 million litres of industrial fuel oil when it sank due to the severe weather conditions.
the tanker's engine oil initially leaked into the sea, and subsequently, the cargo began spilling into the bay. Additionally, the two other vessels also sank nearby, contributing further to the oil pollution in Manila Bay.
Pollutant screening and detection methods.
Pollutant screening and detection methods for oil spills involve a variety of techniques, each with its own advantages and limitations.
Remote sensing techniques:
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): widely used for detecting oil spills as it can penetrate cloud cover and is effective in various weather conditions.
Optical Remote Sensing: Optical sensors can help distinguish between oil spills and other features like algal blooms.
In-Situ Sensors:
Fluorometric sensors: These sensors are used for real-time monitoring of oil spills by detecting fluorescence from oil compounds.
Laser Fluorosensors: These sensors are effective in distinguishing between different oil types and can detect oil on coastlines and in the water column.
Challenges and considerations:
Interference compounds: The presence of substances like algae-derived compounds can affect the detection capabilities of fluorometric sensors
Environmental conditions: Factors such as cloud cover, sun glitter, and natural objects resembling oil can hinder the effectiveness of remote sensing techniques.
Signs that the water in the area is polluted.
Oil slicks: The presence of oil slicks on the water surface is a clear indicator of oil pollution.
Reduced dissolved oxygen levels: Oil spills can lead to a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration in the water, which is crucial for aquatic life.
Increased water temperature and acidity: The presence of oil can cause changes in water temperature and pH levels.
Impact on marine life: Oil pollution can suffocate fish, coat the feathers of birds, and block sunlight from reaching photosynthetic plants.
Physical symptom in humans: Exposure to oil-contaminated water can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and irritation in the eyes and throat
Bleaching of vegetation: Oil spills can cause bleaching of seagrass and other aquatic plants due to the blockage of sunlight necessary for photosynthesis.
Transportation, transformation, bioaccumulation & biomagnification.
Transportation: Once oil is spilled, it can be transported by currents, tides, and wind.
Transformation: Oil undergoes physical and chemical changes such as evaporation, dispersion, and emulsification.
Bioaccumulation: Oil components can accumulate in the tissues of organisms.
Biomagnification: As oil accumulates in lower trophic levels, it can be transferred to higher levels through consumption.
Health problems associated with polluted water.
Short-term health effects:
Gastrointestinal issues.
Respiratory problems.
Skin irritation
Long-term health effects:
Increased cancer risk.
Reproductive problems.
Liver and lung damage.
Chemical pressure and ecological status.
Oil spills exert chemical pressure on ecosystems by releasing toxic hydrocarbons that can smother marine life, disrupt food chains, and contaminate habitats, leading to long-term ecological degradation and biodiversity loss.
Risk assessment.
Risk assessments involves evaluating the severity of pollution, its impact on public health, wildlife, and the environment.
identifying potential sources of oil spills.
potential respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, and long-term health effects like cancer.
evaluates the environmental consequences, such as habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Removal of pollutant properties from the water body.
Oil Blooms: used to contain the oil spill and prevent it from spreading further.
Skimmers: used to physically remove oil from the water surface.
Chemical dispersants: used to break down the oil into smaller droplets, allowing it to mix with water more easily.
Former GPOC oil engineer David Bojo Leju filmed several sites after oil spills and other contamination in the Roriak area.
EAST AFRICA, SOUTH SUDAN - 11 November 2024.
Herders and livestock are affected by the polluted water, with reports of deformed calves and significant cattle deaths attributed to oil contamination.
Prolonged flooding, intensified by climate change, has submerged large parts of Unity State, exacerbating the spread of oil pollutants into water sources.
Oil spills and poorly managed "produced water" have led to widespread contamination of rivers, ponds, and groundwater.
Herders scooping murky water from a small pond in grasslands in South Sudan are well aware of the dangers they face if they drink it.
"The water is dirty because this place has oil - it has chemicals in it," says their chief, Chilhok Puot.
Nyatabah, a woman from this community raising cows in the heart of oil fields in Unity State, adds: "If you drink it, it makes you pant and cough.
"We know it's bad water, but we don't have anywhere else, we're dying of thirst."
A former oil engineer, David Bojo Leju, has told the BBC World service that flooding in the area is washing pollution into water sources.
Large swathes of the state have been under water for several years after unprecedented flooding, which scientists say has been worsened by climate change.
Mr Bojo Leju says the floods are a "disaster" and that pollution from mismanaged oil facilities is a "silent killer" spreading across the state.
South Sudan is the world’s youngest country and one of its poorest, with a government hugely dependent on oil revenue.
Unity State, a major oil-producing state, has always experienced seasonal flooding. But in 2019, extreme rains brought a deluge that engulfed villages, grasslands and forests. Year after year of intense rainfall followed. The water built up, trapped on the clay soil.
At the worst point in 2022, two-thirds of Unity State were submerged, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) - even now, it says about 40% is still under water.
Water quality status before the pollution occurred.
Before the pollution occurred, the water quality in Unity State, South Sudan, was primarily influenced by natural factors such as geogenic characteristics and seasonal rainfall. However, even before the oil pollution, there were challenges related to water quality. For instance, high concentrations of salts and heavy metals like lead, barium, and chromium were present in groundwater due to natural geological processes.
Pollution occurrence.
The pollution in Unity State, South Sudan, primarily stems from oil extraction activities that have been ongoing for several decades. The oil industry has left a landscape filled with open waste pits, contaminated water, and soil with toxic chemicals and heavy metals such as mercury, manganese, and arsenic.
Chemical properties of the pollution.
Toxic chemicals and heavy metals: The pollution includes toxic chemicals such as mercury, manganese, and arsenic, which have contaminated the water and soil in the region.
Hydrocarbon: The presence of hydrocarbons, such as benzene, is significant in the contaminated water and soil.
Contaminated water sources: This contamination affects both surface water and groundwater.
Source of pollutants.
Oil extraction and waste pits: The oil industry has left numerous open waste pits filled with toxic chemicals and heavy metals such as mercury, manganese, and arsenic.
Oil spills and pipeline leaks: these incidents release hydrocarbon and other pollutants into the environment, contaminating water bodies and soil.
Produced water: which is released during oil extraction, often contains hydrocarbons and other pollutants. This water is sometimes injected back into the environment without proper treatment.
Flooding and climate change: The floods wash toxic runoff from oil facilities into rivers and ponds used by communities for drinking and livestock.
Lack of environmental regulation: inadequate oversight and regulation of oil operations, lead to unsafe storage of hazardous chemicals and insufficient cleanup efforts.
Pollutant screening and detection methods.
Pollutant screening and detection methods in South Sudan, particularly in regions affected by oil pollution, involve several techniques to identify and assess the extent of contamination.
Remote sensing and satellite imagery.
These images are taken regularly and help identify black spots that may indicate oil spills.
On-site investigations.
Environmental scouts conduct on-site investigations to confirm the presence of oil spills and assess their impact.
Chemical testing:
soil, water, and air samples are collected and analysed for toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
Signs that the water in the area is polluted.
Visible oil slicks and sheens.
Discolouration and odour.
Health issues in local populations.
Soil and vegetation changes.
Transportation, transformation, bioaccumulation & biomagnification.
Transportation: Pollutants from oil spills can be transported through various environmental media, including water, air, and soil.
Transformation: microorganisms in the environment can degrade oil components, although this process can be slow and incomplete.
Bioaccumulation: bioaccumulated pollutants can lead to toxic effects on organisms, affecting their health and potentially leading to death or reproductive issues.
Biomagnification: disrupts ecosystems by affecting the health and reproduction of key species, leading to long-term ecological damage.
Health problems associated with polluted water.
Gastrointestinal illnesses.
Skin diseases.
Neurological and nervous system effects.
Reproductive and developmental effects.
Cardiovascular conditions.
Chemical pressure and ecological status.
Chemical pollution imposes significant limitations on the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems by affecting water quality and biodiversity through the presence of toxic substances and mixtures that exceed environmental quality standards.
Risk assessment.
Risk assessments involves evaluating the severity of pollution, its impact on public health, wildlife, and the environment.
identifying the pollutants present in the environment and assessing their potential harm.
consider factors such as the concentration of pollutants, duration of exposure, and pathways through which exposure occurs.
examine how pollutants affect humans and ecological receptors.
Removal of pollutant properties from the water body.
Air stripping: uses air to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water.
Activated carbon filtration: Activated carbon filters are used to remove a variety of pollutants, including fuels, PCBs, dioxins, and radioactive wastes.
Chemical and photocatalytic methods: chemical treatments involve precipitation and coagulation to remove pollutants, while photocatalytic processes use light to break down organic pollutants.
Biological processes: membrane bioreactors (MBRs) combine biological processes with membrane filtration to treat wastewater.