In the operations of retailers, we will explore the “wet market” and the pollution that arises from this landscape. Wet markets are common in Asia, where fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, and other perishable goods, are sold in an open-air setting (Standaert, 2020). “The markets’ wet floors are caused by the melting of ice used to ensure the freshness of seafood sold and by stallholders who routinely clean their stalls by spraying them with water” (National Heritage Board, 2013).
In the operations of wet markets, it may be deemed unsanitary by westerners. The lack of regulations may result in the transmission of diseases from animals and other pathogens. An example would be the recent Covid-19 outbreak which was first discovered at Wuhan’s wet market. “But it is the regulatory environment that allowed for such trade at the Wuhan market and the networks that supplied it that needs to be addressed, not simply the existence of the markets themselves.” (Standaert, 2020). Hence in the operations of wet markets, the lack of regulation can impact the health of customers and retailers.
Next, the wastewater discharged from wet markets into the ecosystem has significant risks on human health due to the close contact with pathogens, organic and inorganic pollutants in these wastes (Apandi et al., 2019). The wastewater contains high amounts of nutrients, such as Phosphorus and Nitrogen which are generated from the blood residues of the meat, fishes and chicken cutting activities and this leads to microalgae growth (ibid.). There are also heavy metals found in the wastewater discharges (Jais et al., 2017). When the nutrient-rich wastewater is not treated and is being released directly into water bodies, it can cause eutrophication and affect aquatic life and human health.
Hence, the operations of the wet market utilise large amounts of water and when wastewater is untreated, it can lead to water pollution and health threats. Regulations and wastewater treatment strategies by retailers are also essential in ensuring food safety and public health security. Wet markets are often space for the community to gather, especially for the older generation as they may have forged close relationships with food vendors (NHB, 2013). Hence, to ensure the sustainability of wet markets, more must be done to reduce the impacts and threats to the environment and human health.
Trailing off,
Jade and Ridzuan
References
Apandi, N., Mohamed, R.M.S.R, Al‑Gheethi, A. Gani, P., Ibrahim, A. and Kassim, A.H.M. (2019). Scenedesmus Biomass Productivity and Nutrient Removal from Wet Market Wastewater, A Bio-kinetic Study. Waste and Biomass Valorization. 10, pp.2783–2800. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-018-0313-y.
Jais, N.M., Mohamed, R.M.S.R., Al-Gheethi, A.A. and Amir Hashim, M.K. (2017). The dual roles of phycoremediation of wet market wastewater for nutrients and heavy metals removal and microalgae biomass production. Clean Techn Environ Policy. 19, pp.37–52. DOI 10.1007/s10098-016-1235-7.
National Heritage Board. (2013). WET MARKETS COMMUNITY HERITAGE SERIES II: Book 2 of National Heritage Board’s E-Books Collection. (n.d.). [online] Available at: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/~/media/nhb/files/resources/publications/ebooks/nhb_ebook_wet_markets.pdf.
Standaert, M. (2020). ‘Mixed with prejudice’: calls for ban on ‘wet’ markets misguided, experts argue. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/15/mixed-with-prejudice-calls-for-ban-on-wet-markets-misguided-experts-argue-coronavirus [Accessed 2 Oct. 2020].
