Tijuana River Sewage Pollutes South Bay Air Quality

New research from UC San Diego, UC Riverside, San Diego State University, and the National Science Foundation reveals that the polluted Tijuana River emits dangerously high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas, known for its foul sewage-like odor, with concentrations up to 4,500 times higher than typical urban areas. This toxic gas, along with hundreds of other pollutants identified in the air, contributes to poor air quality in San Diego's South Bay region, where residents have reported symptoms such as headaches, respiratory issues, and nausea. The study, published in the journal Science, links the river's decades-long sewage pollution not only to ocean contamination and extended beach closures but also to degraded regional air quality, marking a significant discovery connecting water pollution to air pollution. Researchers highlighted that toxic gases are dispersed inland from the river, affecting communities far from direct ocean contact, with hydrogen sulfide serving as a tracer for broader industrial pollutants. Community concerns about foul odors and health problems have been scientifically validated by this research, which underscores the urgent need to address cross-border sewage and industrial waste management. The findings emphasize the complex environmental and public health impacts of the Tijuana River pollution crisis and call attention to the long-term effects of exposure to these toxic gases.