Legacy pollution
Legacy pollution or legacy pollutants are persistent materials in the environment that were created through a polluting industry or process that have polluting effects after the process has finished. Frequently these include persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals or other chemicals residual in the environment long after the industrial or extraction processes that produced them. Often these are chemicals produced by industry and polluted before there was widespread awareness of the toxic effects of the pollutants, and subsequently regulated or banned. Notable legacy pollutants include mercury, PCBs, Dioxins and other chemicals that are widespread health and environmental effects. Sites for legacy pollutants include mining sites, industrial parks, waterways contaminated by industry, and other dump sites.
These chemicals often have outsized impact in countries jurisdictions with little or no environmental monitoring or regulation—because the chemical were often produced in new jurisdictions after they were banned in more heavily regulated jurisdictions. Often in these countries, there is a lack of capacity in environmental regulatory, health and civic infrastructure to address the impact of the pollutants.
The impact of legacy pollutants can be visible many years after the initial polluting process, and require environmental remediation. Grassroots communities and environmental defenders frequently advocate for responsibility of industry and states through environmental justice action and advocacy for recognition of human rights, such as the right to a healthy environment.
Brownfields
Mine tailings
Abandoned mines
Abandoned gas wells
Remediation
Human industrial activities can often lead to long-lasting pollutants in ecosystems. With industrialization and its consequences, technology has been developed to repair and detoxify the ecosystem. Some methods of remediation include natural bioremediation techniques that use plants and or microorganisms as well as Physical techniques like soil washing, vitrification, electrokinetic remediation, and permeable barrier systems are used to cleanse the ecosystem as well. Chemical remediation is another common method of detoxification in the ecosystem using methods like stabilization/solidification, precipitation, and ion-exchange resin.Bioremediation and Legacy Pollutants
Bioremediation is a process that is typically used in detoxifying an ecosystem that is suffering from legacy pollutants. Microorganisms are typically the main biotechnology used in the process of removing heavy metals from contaminated sources. Common sources of heavy metal contamination from human actions includes cadmium, zinc, copper, nickel, and lead. Microbes employed in the process convert harmful heavy metals into non-toxic versions that are safer for the ecosystem. The process of using microbes is often considered one of the most safe, effective, and convenient methods of remediation due to the natural ability of native microbes to cleanse toxic products.
Physical Techniques in Remediation
Soil washing is a common method of remediation that has been well studied. It is most effective when used as a pair with other techniques like advanced oxidation or phytoremediation. The effectiveness of soil washing varies based on cleaning agents, pH levels, and the types of pollutants present. Vitrification has been studied, and shows potential for remediating large quantities of lead and zinc. In heat vitrification, bringing the material to roughly 1850 °C has been shown to effectively immobilize heavy-metals and non-volatile inorganic compounds. Electrokinetic remediation involves using electric currents to extract pollutants from the ecosystem, and is effective in the removal of radionuclides, heavy metals, and organic/inorganic material mixtures. For groundwater remediation, permeable barriers are commonly used to clean up pollution underground and aid in detoxification by using special materials.
Chemical Techniques in Remediation
Stabilization/solidification is a process that involves mixing waste with a binder to decrease its "leachability" which allows for safer disposal in landfills and other channels while changing its physical and chemical properties. Precipitation is another chemical remediation technique that involves making contaminates become solid particles by adding chemicals or microbes to form precipitates. Ion-exchange is another successful chemical remediation method that uses ion-exchange resins to remove pollutants from groundwater. Studies show success in the removal of cadmium, lead, and copper from contaminated groundwater.
Challenges and Strategies Managing Non-Point Source Pollution and "Hot Spots"
The management of non-point source pollution and identification of "hot spots" are pivotal in addressing legacy pollution. Tackling these issues requires a comprehensive understanding of pollution sources and the implementation of targeted management practices. Innovative strategies, such as the application of technology for monitoring and remediation, play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of legacy pollutants on ecosystems and human health.
Social impacts
Environmental Justice and Legacy PollutionLegacy pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including people of color, Indigenous populations, and low-income areas. Studies show that these communities are more likely to live near polluted sites and face higher health and safety risks. An environmental justice approach is critical, emphasizing the importance of equitable cleanup efforts and recognizing the right to a healthy environment for all individuals.
Social Impacts Globally
DDT UsageDDT was a popular pesticide from the 1960s to the 1980s that was used intensely to kill mosquitos. The United States banned the pesticide in 1972, largely in part because of a movement started by Rachel Carson and the book Silent Spring. The book, published in 1962, drastically changed how scientists conducted their research and increased focus on the impacts of humans on the environment. The persistent usage of DDT led to resistance by many of the pests it was actively supposed to kill.
Social Impacts in Canada
Giant Mine, Northwest Territories, Canada.The Giant Mine was a large gold mine that was predominately active during the period of 1949-1999. During this period, approximately 20,000 tonnes of arsenic was released at the site. The mine was owned by the company Royal Oak Mines until 1999. The mine went bankrupt and ownership was transferred to the federal and territorial governments. In the process of operations, ore roasting is a commonly used practice for gold recovery. The Giant Mine used ore Roasting as a method of gold recovery primarily, and with this method of use came the release of large amounts of arsenic. Ore roasting is impactful to toxicity levels of arsenic, increases the solubility, and increases its rate of Bioaccessibility. Studies have shown that underground chambers at the site contain approximately 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide dust. This has led to arsenic concentrations exceeding 4000 parts per million without accounting other sources of arsenic sources and sinks that are present in the area that further contaminate the region. Local Metis populations have given statements regarding the former mine site stating that their land, fish, and water are all contaminated from legacy pollution caused by the site. a representative of the community stated that cancer rates in his community have risen due to the legacy pollution still impacting the local community. Athabasca River, Alberta, Canada.
With the development and expansion of oil sand operations in the region of the Athabasca River, concerns have been raised regarding higher cancer rates in local residents due to pollutants from tailing ponds. Evidence of mercury, nickel, thallium, and all 13 priority pollutants were discovered in nearby area samples throughout various seasons in the year varying in concentration. First Nations populations that are reliant on local foods have been found to be directly exposed to Benzopyrene as a result of oil sands operations. Fish from the area are the most significant contributors to BaP exposure in the communities, leading to BaP intake levels that rival on average nine cigarettes a day. Levels are anticipated to grow along with industrial expansion in the region.
Case Studies: Giant Mine and Athabasca River
The Giant Mine in Canada's Northwest Territories and the Athabasca River in Alberta serve as stark reminders of the social and environmental impacts of legacy pollution. The Giant Mine, with its history of arsenic pollution, and the Athabasca River, affected by oil sand operations, illustrate the dire consequences of industrial activities on local communities, particularly on Indigenous populations. These case studies underscore the urgency of cleanup efforts and the need for ongoing vigilance to protect human health and the environment.
Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, Ukraine
Chernobyl Accident, 1986The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. An explosion and fire released large quantities of radioactive isotopes into the atmosphere, which spread over much of Europe. The immediate aftermath involved acute radiation sickness and deaths among plant workers and emergency responders. Long-term health effects, including thyroid cancer, leukemia, and other cancers, have been observed in thousands of individuals exposed to radiation. The disaster also led to the permanent displacement of over 300,000 people from their homes, creating profound social and psychological impacts and a legacy of health and economic hardships.