Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126691
Title (Primary) Remobilization of pollutants during extreme flood events poses severe risks to human and environmental health
Author Crawford, S.E.; Brinkmann, M.; Ouellet, J.D.; Lehmkuhl, F.; Reicherter, K.; Schwarzbauer, J.; Bellanova, P.; Letmathe, P.; Blank, L.M.; Weber, R.; Brack, W.; van Dongen, J.T.; Menzel, L.; Hecker, M.; Schüttrumpf, H.; Hollert, H.
Source Titel Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year 2022
Department WANA
Volume 421
Page From art. 126691
Language englisch
Topic T9 Healthy Planet
Keywords Flood events; Climate change; Extreme weather events; Chemical pollution; Sediment resuspension; Contaminant remobilization; Flood management and policy
Abstract

While it is well recognized that the frequency and intensity of flood events are increasing worldwide, the environmental, economic, and societal consequences of remobilization and distribution of pollutants during flood events are not widely recognized. Loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and monetary cleanup costs associated with floods are important direct effects. However, there is a lack of attention towards the indirect effects of pollutants that are remobilized and redistributed during such catastrophic flood events, particularly considering the known toxic effects of substances present in flood-prone areas. The global examination of floods caused by a range of extreme events (e.g., heavy rainfall, tsunamis, extra- and tropical storms) and subsequent distribution of sediment-bound pollutants are needed to improve interdisciplinary investigations. Such examinations will aid in the remediation and management action plans necessary to tackle issues of environmental pollution from flooding. River basin-wide and coastal lowland action plans need to balance the opposing goals of flood retention, catchment conservation, and economical use of water.

Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=25182
Crawford, S.E., Brinkmann, M., Ouellet, J.D., Lehmkuhl, F., Reicherter, K., Schwarzbauer, J., Bellanova, P., Letmathe, P., Blank, L.M., Weber, R., Brack, W., van Dongen, J.T., Menzel, L., Hecker, M., Schüttrumpf, H., Hollert, H. (2022):
Remobilization of pollutants during extreme flood events poses severe risks to human and environmental health
J. Hazard. Mater. 421 , art. 126691 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126691