How Lahaina's Beaches Handle Pollution After the Big Fire

The massive fire in Lahaina, Maui, in August 2023 left a big mess. Untreated wastewater and harmful chemicals from the fire spread into the environment. Scientists wanted to see how this pollution moves around in the beach's groundwater, especially since the seasons change how water flows. They used special tools to watch the water and chemicals over a year. They found that in summer, water flows quickly from the land to the sea. This means pollution can reach the ocean fast. But in winter, things change. Stronger tides and waves push seawater into the land, making the pollution stay longer underground. This gives time for some pollutants to break down or stick to minerals. The study shows that the beach's pollution problem isn't the same all year. Tides and seasons play a big role. This is important for cleaning up after fires and protecting the ocean. Understanding these patterns can help make better plans for recovery and keeping the coast safe.