Detection and Impact of Sewage Pollution on South Kohala's Coral Reefs

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2020-03

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Sewage pollution is a land-based stressor impacting coral reefs worldwide. In the Hawaiian Islands, On-site sewage disposal systems (OSDS) and wastewater injection wells have been associated with the pollution of inshore waters. Further offshore, OSDS and wastewater injection may be contributing to the chronic degradation of coral reefs in South Kohala, Hawaiʻi. Conducting benthic sampling and employing a multi-indicator approach, this study sought to determine the presence and impact of sewage on South Kohala’s reefs. Our results suggest water motion and groundwater are diluting sewage found on South Kohala’s reefs. South Kohala’s reefs are dominated by turf algae, while sewage pollution may also be facilitating growth anomalies and algal overgrowth on South Kohala’s reefs. With natural processes facilitating connectivity between land and sea, this study illustrates the need for improved sewage treatment and disposal near coastlines.

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Aquatic sciences, Coral Disease, Coral Reefs, Sewage Pollution, South Kohala, Submarine Groundwater Discharge, Water Quality

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63 pages

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