This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday 8 October 2009
River Trent Takes a 'Suicide Pill'
A twenty-mile portion of the River Trent has been poisoned by the release of cyanide into its waters (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/oct/07/water-metalworks-suspected-cyanide-leak). The cyanide (suspected to be the result of illegal dumping from a steel polishing company in the area) has not only directly killed lots of fish (including an estimated 2000 Sticklebacks on one 100 yard section) but killed the bacteria that process sewage in the Strongford water treatment plant (these effects last for days until the bacteria can be re-generated). The latter effect has resulted in sewage and ammonia leaking into the river exacerbating the problems (oxygen levels are, for example, greatly reduced). There are also concerns about other animals in the area including otters and fish-eating birds. All this is likely to result from one illegal act!
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