News Environment

River turbulence can push toxic pollutants into the air

Rushing river water sent hydrogen sulfide levels in a San Diego neighborhood soaring

River water is shown rapidly flowing through concrete culverts, creating foam in the Tijuana River. The water appears brownish black because it is contaminated with untreated sewage.

A foamy, turbulent section of the Tijuana River in San Diego’s South Bay sent hydrogen sulfide levels soaring in early September 2024. Residents in the area pointed to the river as a source of foul smells.

Beatriz Klimeck/UC San Diego

By Erin Garcia de Jesús

Toxic pollutants from a Southern California river are infiltrating the air.