Remobilization of pollutants during extreme flood events poses severe risks to human and environmental health

While it is well recognized that the frequency and intensity of flood events are increasing worldwide, the environmental, economic, and societal consequences of remobilization and distribution of pollutants during flood events are not widely recognized. Loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and monetary cleanup costs associated with floods are important direct effects. However, there is a lack of attention towards the indirect effects of pollutants that are remobilized and redistributed during such catastrophic flood events, particularly considering the known toxic effects of substances present in flood-prone areas. The global examination of floods caused by a range of extreme events (e.g., heavy rainfall, tsunamis, extra- and tropical storms) and subsequent distribution of sediment-bound pollutants are needed to improve interdisciplinary investigations. Such examinations will aid in the remediation and management action plans necessary to tackle issues of environmental pollution from flooding. River basin-wide and coastal lowland action plans need to balance the opposing goals of flood retention, catchment conservation, and economical use of water.

Automated summary

While the frequency and intensity of floods are increasing globally, the indirect effects of pollutants remobilized and redistributed during flood events are often overlooked. A global examination of floods caused by extreme events and the subsequent distribution of sediment-bound pollutants is essential to improve interdisciplinary investigations and develop action plans to address environmental pollution issues from flooding. Action plans for river basins and coastal lowlands need to balance flood retention, catchment conservation, and economical water use.