News Summary
A team of graduate students from the University of San Diego has partnered with Earthwise Sorbents in the 24/7 Blue initiative to tackle pollution in Mission Bay and San Diego Bay. Using innovative cleanup booms made from recycled materials, the project aims to collect and analyze contaminants while fostering community involvement through events like Operation Clean Sweep, slated to engage over 1,000 volunteers. This proactive approach not only addresses environmental challenges but also highlights the potential for university and community collaboration in ensuring sustainable practices.
San Diego – A team of graduate students from the University of San Diego (USD) has made significant strides in addressing pollution in Mission Bay and San Diego Bay through an innovative partnership with Earthwise Sorbents. The collaboration, named 24/7 Blue, employs cleanup booms made from recycled materials to collect contaminants hidden in the waters, revealing substantial pollution levels that contrast starkly with the bays’ otherwise pristine appearance.
The cleanup booms measure 10 feet long and weigh 5 pounds. They are placed underwater for two to three months before being examined and replaced, providing ongoing monitoring of the water quality. Data collected during the project indicates that the booms recover approximately 30 times the usual amount of heavy metals found in these water bodies.
The contaminants identified include a range of harmful substances such as heavy metals, microplastics, copper, zinc, arsenic, hydrocarbons, and invasive species. Dr. Michel Boudrias, who leads the research at USD, highlights the importance of adopting a proactive over a reactive approach to environmental monitoring. This initiative aims to provide long-term ecological analysis and insights into the water quality of Mission Bay, with a substantial data set accumulated over the past 15 years.
In addition to monitoring and analyzing pollution levels, the project also focuses on the safe disposal of waste materials collected from the booms. These materials are evaluated for hazardous waste disposal options and can be sent to landfills if classified as safe. Furthermore, researchers at USD are exploring the potential to extract biofuel from the contaminants gathered during the cleanup process.
Looking ahead, the team aims to expand their efforts, particularly targeting the South Bay areas that have been affected by ongoing sewage pollution from Tijuana. Community engagement continues to play a significant role in these initiatives, exemplified by the upcoming 35th annual Operation Clean Sweep, scheduled for August 23, 2025. This event is poised to involve over 1,000 volunteers dedicated to cleaning trash and debris in San Diego Bay and along local waterfronts.
Participants in Operation Clean Sweep will have the opportunity to earn community service hours, with youth volunteers receiving prizes. Cleanup sites will span various locations, including Barrio Logan, Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, and Shelter Island. All necessary materials for the cleanup, such as bags, gloves, and trash pickers, will be provided for volunteers. Following the cleanup efforts, there will be an after-party featuring food, music, and contests aimed at recognizing unique trash collected during the event.
The collaboration with the Port of San Diego serves to underscore the value of hands-on learning experiences for students pursuing studies in environmental science. The 24/7 Blue initiative exemplifies a successful blend of university resources and private sector innovation, working together to address pressing environmental challenges. This partnership not only showcases the importance of ecological stewardship but also demonstrates the potential for community involvement in promoting sustainable practices to protect local waterways.
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Additional Resources
- The Star News
- MSN News
- The Alpine Sun
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Times of San Diego
- Wikipedia: Environmental Pollution
- Google Search: San Diego Bay cleanup
- Google Scholar: San Diego bay pollution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Diego Bay
- Google News: San Diego Bay cleanup
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, 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 the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
