A recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia has highlighted the environmental impact of artificial turf fields in Metro Vancouver. The study, recently published in the journal Environmental Science Processes & Impacts, has identified that these fields are releasing a chemical known as 6PPD-quinone, which is harmful to coho salmon, into stormwater systems. This chemical originates from the crumb rubber infill, which is commonly used in artificial turf fields.
Researchers, led by Rachel Scholes, an assistant professor at UBC, collected samples from 12 fields in Metro Vancouver and analyzed stormwater from three fields during rainstorms. The study revealed that even older fields continue to release pollutants, with contamination persisting for years. Katie Moloney, a PhD student at UBC, emphasized that a single turf field contains around 125 tonnes of crumb rubber, equivalent to roughly 20,000 tires, posing a long-term source of pollution.
The released chemical, 6PPD-quinone, has been found to be lethal to coho salmon and other fish species. The researchers stressed that even small amounts of the chemical can have harmful effects on aquatic life. As stormwater from these fields is not always treated before entering waterways, there are concerns about the impact on fish habitats.
Despite these findings, the City of Vancouver continues to invest in synthetic turf fields to meet the increasing demand for sports facilities. While synthetic fields offer year-round usability and cost recovery advantages, the study has prompted the city to reconsider the use of crumb rubber infill due to environmental concerns.
Other municipalities like Surrey and Burnaby are also monitoring the issue and taking steps to address potential risks. Suggestions to mitigate the harmful effects include using alternative infill materials like polymer or installing treatment systems to capture contaminants before they enter water systems. These measures aim to protect salmon and other aquatic species from the adverse effects of chemicals leaching from artificial turf fields.