Way of Solving the Water Pollution Problem in Al Ain Region - Research Paper Example

Hypothetical disaster scenario The Al Ain region is one of the cities within the United Arab Emirates with an estimated population of 0.4 million. This region entirely receives its drinking water supply from desalinated seawater. Despite depending entirely on desalinated water for drinking, the region also relies on groundwater mainly for agricultural purposes by using the falaj. In 2008, 71% of the total water used in the United Arab Emirates came from groundwater, with 24% coming from desalinated water while 5% coming from wastewater (Environmental Agency 1). Groundwater mainly comprises of brackish and saline water quality. Moreover, Al Ain has experienced intermittent water supply due to problems of transmission as well as distribution. The Al Ain nuclear power plant experienced some technical problems and this resulted in the leakage of radioactive materials in the environment. This situation raised fears of contamination by the radioactive materials among residents who fear for their lives and their livestock. Because of the environmental concerns relating to the effects of the radioactive materials, there was a need to research the state of the environment to determine the extent and quantity of radioactive components within the Al Ain region (Environmental Agency 1). This is because radioactive materials generated from nuclear plants due to accidents are dangerous and can have an immense negative impact on the environment with extreme cases resulting in the death of various forms of biodiversity. To achieve this mission, there is a need to collect data from the environment to use for the examination of the situation. Data collection entailed sampling of water in the environment. First, with assistance from environmental experts and chemical analysts, groundwater samples from the plant’s premises are collected for lab testing and further examination. Consequently, I would collect water samples from the neighboring regions. The aim of this step is to use the data for comparison and further analysis and decision-making (Bodansky 23). Afterward, chemical experts take these samples into the lab for examination and analysis. After examination and analysis, the results obtained from the two samples indicate the presence of radioactive materials in the environment. Water samples collected within the plant’s locality indicate a high concentration of iodine – 131, a radioactive material compared to those collected some distance away from the nuclear plant (Nuclear world Association 1). Since the water table in Al Ain is close to the surface thereby feeding the natural springs commonly used by citizens, it is certain that the underground water is complicated. Despite the level of contamination is low, it is not suitable for human or animal use. This is because the use of such water has long-term health effects associated with chronic diseases (Nuclear world Association 1). It, therefore, means that such water is not good for use since most of the waterholes are shallow. However, the concentration is not high as was earlier indicated. Despite the presence of radioactive in moderate quantities, there is a need to deal with the situation by getting rid of these harmful chemicals from the environment. This is a cautionary measure aimed at ensuring complete clearance of the environment of the radioactive element. Addressing the issue of environmental pollution associated with the release of radioactive materials from nuclear plant leakage is quite challenging and complex. However, necessary measures need to be taken to address the situation. The first issue to be addressed is the health impacts of consumption or the use of the contaminated water by the residents. Since the underground water was found to be contaminated by the radioactive materials, the first thing to do is order closer to the plant and evacuation of residents to regions far away from the plant (Richards 56). This precautionary measure ensures the citizens are less exposed to continued exposure and use of contaminated groundwater. Closer of the plant will prevent further release of radioactive materials to the environment and thus curb continued pollution and contamination of groundwater. Secondly, there is a need to raise alarm to the public and warn of the dangers associated with the accident and its effects on the environment and specifically the groundwater. Therefore, I will advise them not to use underground water until further notice. The step brings the situation under control and prevents further consumption or use of such water (Richards 59). Third, it is necessary to encourage the residents of Al Ain to go for medical checkup. Through this, the affected individuals will be treated to reduce the health impact on the residents. Medical checkups are necessary since it ensures that the doctors notice the health issue at the early stage and explores ways of dealing with the problem to avoid further harm related to the condition. Managing the effects and components of radioactive elements in the environment and more so in underground water is demanding. Various strategies and policies need to be implemented to curb the effects of such wastes in the environment (Bodansky 33). First, to get rid of the radioactive wastes in the environment, there is a need for closure or ban on use of underground water for some time until such a time when iodine -134 shall have completely decayed to a harmless level (Richards 62). Moreover, since the water table is high, surface water waters will be directed into enclosed dams and ponds to ensure that nobody accesses or uses such water. This will ensure that all biodiversity is protected from further contamination arising from use of the contaminated water. The second policy that I will implement to reduce or curb future accidents will be to ensure that the reopening of the nuclear plant is halted until it is fitted with effective and high tech equipment that will greatly minimize the occurrence of future accidents. Moreover, any loophole will have to be fixed before the commencement of the operations of the plant. Further, since the accident was partly caused due to human errors and ignorance coupled with inexperience, all employees of the plant will have to undergo further training on nuclear energy and on how to handle nuclear-related equipment and tools before being authorized to work in the plant (Bodansky 67). Finally, to ensure the effectiveness of future operations of the nuclear plant, I will initiate comprehensive and constant monitoring as well as regular testing to identify or detect operator and equipment failures. This step will significantly reduce occurrences of such accidents in the future thereby ensuring the safety of Al Ain residents. Works Cited Bodansky, David. Nuclear Energy: Principles, Practices, and Prospects. New York: Springer, 2004. Print. Environmental Agency. “Current Status Of Aflaj In The Al Ain Area United Arab Emirate”. Web, 2006. Retrieved April 23, 2014 from http://www.enhg.org/resources/articles/al_ain_falaj/Al_%20Ain_Falaj_Report.pdf Nuclear world Association. “Radioactive Waste Management”. Web, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2014 from http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/nuclear-fuel-cycle/nuclear- wastes/radioactive-waste-management/ Richards, Julie. Nuclear Energy. New York: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2009. Print. Read More