Patong wastewater crisis may end long-term marine life reproduction, says expert

Shela Riva

 

 

PHUKET:-- After two weeks of inspecting and sampling the marine life and soil at Patong beaches, a lecturer at the Faculty of Technology and Environment of the Prince of Songkla University has revealed that although there are no serious short-term effects of untreated wastewater pollution on bleached coral, she predicts all seabed-spawning marine life at Patong Bay may die out this year.

 

“The sulphide levels are very, very high, as is the organic matter level. I am still waiting for results on heavy metals which should come tomorrow (Mar 9), and the pH level is quite neutral,” Dr Vipawee Dummee told The Phuket News today (Mar 8).

 

“The black muddiness level has not changed at all since the release of the wastewater into the bay two weeks ago,” she noted.

 

Full Story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/patong-wastewater-crisis-may-end-long-term-marine-life-reproduction-says-expert-66274.php#boyHStZkJOyTgP10.97

 

-- © Copyright Phuket News 2018-3-8

Greed and negligence is killing the world, not only in Phuket. If it is not the wastewater, it is the plastic released into the oceans every day.

I've bumped this topic so the front page of the News Forum now has the following four headings:

 

Patong wastewater crisis may end long-term marine life reproduction, says expert;

Phuket residents call for end to black wastewater on Surin Beach;

Phuket Governor steps in to fix black wastewater flowing into Chalong Bay;

Rawai Mayor promises action against untreated wastewater releasers.

 

There seems to be a recurring theme here; a theme which demonstrates the lack of environmental care on the island. Despite what the authorities may say, it's pretty obvious that too little is being done to rectify this problem. Hotels and local government are only interested in lining their own pockets and really don't seem worried about the long term implications.

 

The lagoon at the back of Karon Beach is also filthy, as is the outflow at the north end of Kata. Yet they're more bothered about cigarette smoke polluting the air than dirty, polluted stretches of water and the noise and smell from seemingly uncontrolled jet skis and parasailers. 

 

Ruin the beaches, Phuket, and you decimate your tourism. Latex stores and a new Central are no substitute!