Title
A spatial framework for improved sanitation to support coral reef conservation
Author(s)
Kuempel, Caitlin D.;Thomas, Jacqueline;Wenger, Amelia;Jupiter, Stacy D.;Suárez-Castro, Andrés F.;Nasim, Nabeela;Klein, Carissa;Hoegh-Guldberg, Ove
Published
2023
Publisher
Environmental Pollution
Abstract
Coral reefs are one of the most valuable yet threatened ecosystems in the world. Improving human wastewater treatment could reduce land-based impacts on coral reefs. However, information on the quantity and spatial distribution of human wastewater pollution is lacking. Here, we develop a spatial model linking residential human wastewater pollution (nitrogen and phosphorus/year) and conservation sectors [coral reefs] to better understand the relative differences in the distribution and efficacy of different sanitation services and their potential implications for conservation monitoring and management. We apply our model to Fiji, where ongoing initiatives and investments in wastewater treatment for human health could be leveraged to cost-effectively improve coral reef condition. We estimate that wastewater treatment plants account for nearly 80% of nutrients released into surface waters. Nutrient pollution is widespread, affecting 95% of reefs, but is concentrated across a few watersheds. Our spatially explicit approach can be used to better understand potential benefits and trade-offs between sanitation service improvements and coral reef health, helping to bridge the sanitation and conservation sectors as well as inform and prioritize on the ground action.
Keywords
Land-based run-off; Land-sea planning; WASH; Nutrient pollution; Coastal ecosystems; Wastewater treatment
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PUB36200