City Hall of Vigo announced that he would authorize fine up to 750 euros those who urinate on the beach or in the sea. In the sand this can be easily controlled, but not so much in the sea, so this measure is ridiculed in some circles. Now, leaving aside the ease of identifying perpetrators, is this really a necessary measure? I mean is it dangerous? pee in the sea? We know this can happen in swimming pools, as some substances in the urine react with chlorine, causing toxic compounds. But in the sea, water is not disinfected with chlorine, so it is not dangerous for humans. Of course, just because it’s not bad for us doesn’t mean marine ecosystems are safe.
And the fact is that this measure of Vigo’s consistory was raised precisely ecological motives. Because yes, the ocean is full of animals that urinate in the sea, but in nature, balance is important. If we upset this balance by urinating in the sea, catastrophic consequences could result.
In this case, the process known as eutrophication, which can be very dangerous for the living creatures that inhabit the sea. It also occurs due to the presence of certain invasive species. For example, this is one of the problems caused by Pablo Escobar’s hippos in Colombia. And, of course, humans are the most aggressive species. In fact, everything makes sense.
Consequences of urinating at sea, in addition to Vigo fines
If one person or several decide pee in the sea one day nothing will happen. The problem starts when many people do this. To this are added also pets which we sometimes carry with us.
suggests nitrogen release much higher than what would be produced simply with the species of these ecosystems. It brings lots of nutrients in the waterwhich may seem positive to us, but in fact it is not.
The increase in biomass caused by excess nitrogen can be very dangerous.
And it is that this increase in nutrients causes proliferation a large number of bacteria and algae. This increase in biomass is detrimental on several levels. First, the water can be darkened so that the sun’s rays do not fall on photosynthetic organisms. This is more common in small pondslike lakes. But it can also be extrapolated to other broader areas, such as the sea.
On the other hand, some of these algae generate compounds that may be toxic for some marine species. And as if that’s not enough consume a lot of oxygen for their own survival, making life difficult for other organisms. In short, sea urination causes nutrient imbalances that can be very detrimental to some species. Corals are especially vulnerable, but many others can be affected.
beware of drugs
But eutrophication is not the only risk of urinating at sea. Urine can also go loaded with drugs, legal or notwhich can be just as detrimental to marine species.
Again, this is something that has been studied more in smaller bodies of water. For example, it has been observed that a high level cocaine and MDMA in rivers near some music festivals, they affect populations of eels, which are already endangered. They suffer at the muscular level as well as at the hormonal level, which affects their puberty.
It is possible that something similar could happen when urinating in the sea. Therefore, before leaving the coast to relieve yourself so that no one sees you, consider whether you really need it or there is no other place nearby where you can do it. Let’s be honest if this happens in Vigo perhaps no one will see you and will not be able to fine. But not everything in this life is fines. At least we should be able to see through them.
Source: Hiper Textual
