Biologist Anna Björn urges people to stop urinating in the sea to prevent nutrient pollution, which can lead to algal blooms and disrupt marine ecosystems. While individual actions may seem minor, they contribute to the larger issue of Baltic Sea eutrophication.
Expert Warns: Stop Urinating in the Sea
Expert Warns: Stop Urinating in the Sea
Urinating in the sea can lead to nutrient pollution. Biologist Anna Björn believes everyone must take responsibility and stop urinating in the water.
– Don't urinate in the water!
This is the advice from Anna Björn, a biologist and unit manager at Skansen's Baltic Sea Centre. She explains that urine contains large amounts of easily absorbed nutrients, which are generally good for nature but can also lead to nutrient pollution.
– One liter of urine fertilizes five to seven kilos of algae. Overall, it may not seem significant if one person urinates in the water, but in your small bay, it can have a big impact, she says.
The sea cannot handle the nutrients from human urine in the same way that land can. It is primarily fine-threaded algae that are fertilized by urine. They grow quickly and attach to all other living things, disrupting the natural ecosystem.
– Adults can be mindful. Tell your children to do the same. Go up and urinate on land, which also benefits nature there, says Anna Björn.
"Even the Small Things Matter"
Urine in the water, along with agriculture, sewage treatment plants, and deforestation, is one of many causes of the Baltic Sea's nutrient pollution. Since 2015, it has been illegal to empty boat toilets in open water.
– Why shouldn't we act just because it's a small thing? Just as we need to reduce nutrient pollution from major sources, we can always do a little ourselves. Even the small things matter out there, says Anna Björn.