Researchers have found that pollutants in the Tijuana River, which carries raw sewage and industrial waste from Tijuana, are also turning up in the air along the coast near the U.S.-Mexico border. After collecting samples from air and water along the coast, scientists from UC San Diego determined that fine particles of various pollutants from wastewater are in the air in parts of San Diego County. They found that sea spray aerosols contain illicit drugs and drug byproducts that occur in human urine, as well as chemicals from tires and personal care products. The researchers said the pollutants are carried in wastewater and stormwater runoff, and become airborne in spray where the river meets the crashing waves near the border. Pollutants also likely enter the air from churning waters in the river itself, they said. 

Related articles:

• UC San Diego Today: News release: Pollution from the Tijuana River affects air quality in San Diego
• Courthouse News: Study reveals air pollution from Tijuana River discharge
• KPBS (San Diego): Harmful chemicals from Tijuana River pollution are airborne
• San Diego Union-Tribune: UCSD study: Tijuana sewage isn’t the only pollutant detectible in the air