News Summary
Graduate students from the University of San Diego have found alarming levels of contaminants in Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. The initiative, 24/7 Blue, aims to test sustainable cleanup technologies and has identified significant concentrations of heavy metals and microplastics. Utilizing innovative cleanup methods, the project highlights ecological impacts while promoting environmental sustainability. Plans are underway to expand efforts to areas affected by Tijuana sewage pollution, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in addressing environmental issues.
San Diego Students Discover Contaminants in Bay
San Diego graduate students from the University of San Diego (USD) have unveiled concerning levels of contaminants within Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. The initiative, named 24/7 Blue, is part of a collaborative effort with Earthwise Sorbents to test sustainable cleanup technologies intended for ports and marinas across the nation.
Throughout their research, students have identified alarming concentrations of heavy metals, microplastics, and various invasive species, significantly impacting the local marine ecosystem. According to Dr. Michel Boudrias, chair of USD’s sustainability task force, the project is unearthing up to 30 times the typical amount of heavy metals usually found in these waters, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive cleanup strategies.
Innovative Cleanup Method
The 24/7 Blue initiative employs an innovative cleanup method utilizing five-pound, ten-foot booms strategically placed in the bay’s waters for durations of two to three months. This approach enables the extraction of contaminants not visible on the surface. Once the booms are retrieved and turned over, they reveal significant contamination levels that must be addressed.
These booms are notably made from recycled materials such as polyurethane surfboard foam and polypropylene fabrics, highlighting the initiative’s commitment to sustainability. Gunner Kolon, a graduate student specializing in environmental marine science, reported the presence of harmful substances, including copper, zinc, arsenic, hydrocarbons, invasive organisms, and microplastics.
Ecological Impact and Data Collection
Significantly, this project has amassed a comprehensive database, having collected over 15 years of data pertaining to the Mission Bay ecosystem. The contaminants recovered from the booms are assessed meticulously to determine appropriate disposal methods, categorizing them as either hazardous waste or safer materials, which reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility.
In a forward-thinking approach, the university is also investigating the potential for extracting biofuel from the contaminants collected. This exploration could not only aid in waste disposal but also contribute to sustainable energy initiatives.
Future Expansion Plans
Plans are already underway to extend the 24/7 Blue project to the South Bay areas, particularly those affected by Tijuana sewage pollution. This expansion aims to tackle the broader environmental challenges along the San Diego coastline, enhancing the cumulative impact of their research and cleanup efforts.
Educational Opportunities and Community Engagement
The partnership with the Port of San Diego enriches the learning experience for students by offering hands-on practical training while addressing serious environmental concerns. This collaboration exemplifies how universities can engage with private companies to promote sustainable solutions to pressing ecological issues.
Dr. Boudrias emphasized that the 24/7 Blue initiative serves a dual purpose: contributing to ongoing ocean cleanup efforts while preparing the next generation of scientists for challenges ahead. This alignment between academic pursuit and environmental stewardship illustrates the importance of fostering innovative partnerships in the quest for ecological preservation.
Participation in such initiatives, as expressed by Gunner Kolon, not only fosters personal satisfaction but also represents a commitment to the health of the oceans. The USD students’ work on the 24/7 Blue project stands as a promising model of effective collaboration that seeks to address and mitigate environmental degradation in local waters.
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
