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The Toxic Legacy of the Fjord. Scientists Warn of Pollution
This is the result of practices from over 50 years ago. Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa (zdjęcie poglądowe)
Tires dumped into Osterfjorden are still releasing harmful chemicals. Until the late 1970s, rubber waste was disposed of directly into the water from the quay in Hjelmås, Nordhordland. Local residents, as schoolchildren, received five NOK per hour for hiding the tires.
Research conducted by the Norce institute confirmed the presence of heavy metals such as lead, copper, and zinc, as well as phthalates and other chemicals. Researcher Farhan Khan emphasizes that tires remain a source of pollution for many decades after being discarded. Some substances are harmful to both fish and humans, scientists note.
The team considered the discovery unique on a global scale. Scientists are planning further analyses to determine how much longer toxic compounds will continue to leach into the water.
The team considered the discovery unique on a global scale. Scientists are planning further analyses to determine how much longer toxic compounds will continue to leach into the water.
Residents Concerned About Water Quality
Local residents recall that children still swim and fish are still caught in the contaminated area. Scientists reassure that the level of substances should not pose a direct threat, but admit that it is not advisable to swim there.
The municipality of Alver has taken responsibility for the area and is looking for ways to safely remove the waste. The company that dumped the tires years ago has long since declared bankruptcy.
The municipality of Alver has taken responsibility for the area and is looking for ways to safely remove the waste. The company that dumped the tires years ago has long since declared bankruptcy.
There may be tires in Hjelmås dating back to the 1940s.Photo: Fotolia.pl/royalty free
Removing the Tires May Worsen the Problem
Experts fear that attempting to remove the tires could release even more toxins. "We need to study the impact of this pollution on fish and people, and determine the best way to deal with this waste," explains Khan.
The Clean Oceans organization, which funded the research, is calling for nationwide action and political support. "Extensive cleanup efforts are needed," says director Eirik Langeland.
The Clean Oceans organization, which funded the research, is calling for nationwide action and political support. "Extensive cleanup efforts are needed," says director Eirik Langeland.
Norway as a Leader in Ocean Cleanup
Pollution from tires is a problem not only in Norway. In many countries, tires have been used as fenders or simply dumped into the sea.
Langeland hopes that Norway will become a leader in ocean cleanup technology and develop effective methods for removing this type of waste. The results of the research from Osterfjorden could become a starting point for creating new standards for marine environmental protection.
Langeland hopes that Norway will become a leader in ocean cleanup technology and develop effective methods for removing this type of waste. The results of the research from Osterfjorden could become a starting point for creating new standards for marine environmental protection.
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