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Writer's pictureAmanda Ross

From Streets to Streams: The Journey of Trash and Its Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems

Our streets are bustling thoroughfares teeming with life, activity, and unfortunately, litter.


While the sight of trash on the streets is unsightly and inconvenient, its journey doesn't end there.

In fact, much of the trash that litters our suburban environments ultimately finds its way into our ponds, streams, and ultimately our oceans. In this post, we'll explore how trash in the streets makes its way into our waterways and the devastating impact it has on aquatic ecosystems.



The Path of Trash



Stormwater Runoff:

trash on sewer grate

When it rains, stormwater runoff carries litter from streets, sidewalks, and parking lots into storm drains. Unlike sewage systems (where your toilet waist goes), storm drains do not typically lead to treatment plants. Instead, they directly discharge water – and whatever it carries – into nearby bodies of water, including ponds and streams at local parks.


Wind and Gravity:

Even without rain, trash on the streets can be swept into nearby waterways by wind or carried downhill by gravity. Items like plastic bags, food wrappers, and cigarette butts are lightweight and easily transported by wind, while heavier items may be washed into storm drains during heavy rain.



Illegal Dumping:

Some individuals illegally dump trash directly into waterways, exacerbating pollution and endangering aquatic life. Items such as furniture, appliances, and construction debris can harm habitats and obstruct water flow, leading to flooding and erosion.




Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems


Water Pollution:

Trash in ponds and streams leaches harmful chemicals and toxins into the water, contaminating habitats and threatening aquatic life. Plastics, in particular, break down into microplastics that can be ingested by fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to reproductive issues, digestive problems, and even death.


Fish caught in plastic bag and surounding trash.

Habitat Degradation:

Trash accumulations can smother stream beds and suffocate aquatic organisms, disrupting food chains and ecological processes. Invasive species may hitch rides on floating debris, further compromising native habitats and biodiversity.


Wildlife Entanglement:

Discarded fishing lines, nets, and plastic rings pose entanglement hazards for aquatic wildlife, leading to injuries, strangulation, and death. Marine mammals, birds, and fish can become ensnared in debris, impairing their ability to feed, swim, and reproduce.


Solutions for Cleaner Waterways


Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

Stream with ducks.

Promote responsible waste management practices such as reducing single-use plastics, reusing items whenever possible, and properly recycling materials to minimize trash generation and prevent litter from entering waterways.


Proper Disposal:

Properly disposing of trash is crucial to safeguarding our waterways and ecosystems. By ensuring waste is disposed of responsibly, we mitigate the risk of pollution, which can harm aquatic life, contaminate water sources, and disrupt entire ecosystems. Additionally, keeping trash out of our waterways helps preserve the beauty and functionality of these natural resources and recreational parks for current and future generations. Therefore, it's imperative that we all take responsibility for our waste disposal practices to protect our waterways and the life they support.


 

Glossary:


  • stormwater runoff - rain and melting snow that flows off building rooftops, driveways, lawns, streets, parking lots, construction sites, and industrial storage yards

  • erosion - the process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents.

  • ensnared -caught in or trapped



1 comment

1 Comment


Diane Bradish
Diane Bradish
Feb 22
•

Will be reading this to my student Monday. We just were discussing wetlands, watersheds, & estuaries. Pollution came up so this is perfect to read to that student! Thanks! 😊

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