Ocean Pollution: Strategies For Sustainable Management

Ocean pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious threat to the health of our planet and its ecosystems. It is primarily caused by human activity, with 80% of ocean pollution originating from land-based sources. The most common types of ocean pollution include plastic, nutrient runoff from fertilizers, nonpoint-source pollution, light, noise, and industrial chemicals.

Plastic pollution is the leading cause of ocean pollution, with an estimated 170 trillion plastic particles currently in the ocean. This includes items such as plastic bags, bottles, food containers, and fishing gear, which can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Nutrient pollution, caused by excess fertilizers, sewage, and agricultural runoff, leads to the creation of dead zones in the ocean, where oxygen levels are too low to support marine life.

Nonpoint-source pollution, which accounts for 60% of water pollution in the US, is challenging to pinpoint as it comes from multiple small sources such as cars, boats, farms, and construction sites.

Light and noise pollution disrupt the behavioral patterns of marine life, impacting their migration, reproduction, and feeding.

Industrial pollution, including toxic waste, crude oil spills, and sewage, has devastating effects on marine ecosystems and human health.

To address ocean pollution, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption, promote recycling, improve waste management practices, and support innovative solutions such as ocean cleanup technologies and microplastic filtration systems.

Reduce plastic pollution: Avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable bottles and utensils

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing issues facing our oceans today. With an estimated 170 trillion plastic particles in the ocean, it's clear that urgent action is needed to address this crisis. Here are some ways to reduce plastic pollution and protect our marine environments:

• Reduce plastic consumption: Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, bottles, and disposable utensils, are major contributors to ocean pollution. Opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible to minimize your plastic waste.
• Properly dispose of plastics: Ensure that plastics and other recyclables are disposed of correctly. Recycle plastics whenever possible and avoid littering or dumping waste into waterways.
• Support beach cleanups: Participating in beach cleanups can be an effective way to prevent plastic from reaching the ocean. Join or organize cleanups in your community to make a positive impact.
• Reduce agricultural runoff: Excess fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals from agriculture can contribute to ocean pollution. Adopt sustainable farming practices and minimize the use of harmful chemicals to reduce their impact on marine ecosystems.
• Choose reusable water bottles: Single-use plastic water bottles are a significant source of plastic pollution. Switch to reusable water bottles, preferably made from BPA-free or glass materials, to reduce your plastic waste.
• Avoid microplastics: Microplastics, such as microfibers from synthetic clothing, are a growing concern. Choose natural fabrics and avoid products containing microbeads to minimize your impact on marine life.
• Educate and advocate: Spread awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution and encourage others to take action. Support organizations working to reduce plastic pollution and advocate for policies that promote sustainable practices.

Reduce chemical fertilizer use: Choose organic fertilizers, which tend to be lower in nutrients, and use them at half strength or half as often as suggested

Organic fertilizers are derived directly from plant or animal sources, such as manures, compost, or bone meal. They can also be rock minerals that are finely ground, like limestone and rock phosphate. They usually contain lower concentrations of nutrients, depending on the raw material.

Organic fertilizers can improve the soil in many ways. They can improve water movement into the soil, add structure to the soil, and feed beneficial microbes. They are healthier for the environment in the long term. However, they may cost significantly more than conventional fertilizers.

When using organic fertilizers, it is recommended to use them at half strength or half as often as suggested. This is because organic fertilizers usually contain lower concentrations of nutrients. Using them at full strength may damage your plants.

Reduce runoff: Improve waste management and properly dispose of plastics and other trash

Reduce, reuse, recycle

The majority of ocean pollution comes from land-based sources, with plastic being the leading source. Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue that poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of our planet.

Plastic bags, bottles, food containers, and cutlery are some of the most common items found in the ocean. These items are often used for just a few minutes before being thrown away, yet they can take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose naturally.

To reduce plastic pollution, it is recommended to opt for reusable bottles and utensils. When using reusable bottles, BPA-Free or glass bottles are best. Reusable straws made from silicone or metal are also good alternatives to single-use plastic straws.

Properly dispose of plastics and other trash

Another simple way to reduce ocean pollution is to properly dispose of plastics and other recyclable materials. This can be done by disposing of trash in a secure receptacle or taking it home if outdoors.

Reduce chemical fertilizer use

Excess chemical fertilizer eventually makes its way into the oceans, causing oxygen depletion and creating "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive. To reduce this type of pollution, it is recommended to choose organic fertilizers and use them at half strength or less frequently.

Support innovative solutions

While beach cleanups are important, they may not be sufficient to address the vast amount of plastic already in the ocean. Innovative solutions are being developed to collect and recycle microplastics, such as the use of special non-toxic compounds and magnetic liquids.

Ban single-use plastics

Banning single-use plastic items, such as plastic bags and straws, is another way to reduce ocean pollution. Several countries and cities have already introduced such bans.

Improve waste management

Most plastic pollution in the ocean comes from rivers. River cleanup technologies, such as solar-powered vessels that collect trash from polluted rivers, are being implemented in some areas.

Reduce sewage: Support initiatives to improve sewage treatment plants to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the ocean

Sewage treatment plants are essential for reducing the amount of harmful chemicals that enter our oceans. These plants are responsible for treating wastewater from homes and businesses, which contains nitrogen and phosphorus from human waste, food, and certain soaps and detergents.

Upgrading wastewater treatment systems can be expensive, but it can also save money in the long run by reducing energy demand and treatment chemical requirements. In some cases, optimisation, which involves adjusting operations and repurposing existing equipment, may be a more cost-effective solution.

There are several ways to improve sewage treatment processes and reduce the amount of harmful chemicals entering the ocean:

• Using high-quality equipment, such as PTFE membranes, fine bubble disc diffusers, and fine bubble plate diffusers, can improve water filtration and disinfection results.
• Tertiary treatment, an additional disinfection process that can be implemented after primary and secondary treatment, includes methods such as ultraviolet disinfection, ion exchange, filtration, ozone treatment, and chlorination.
• Proper maintenance and cleaning of treatment equipment, including regular draining of tanks, checking for equipment damage, and replacing parts as necessary, are crucial for ensuring optimal performance.
• Monitoring equipment performance, bubble patterns, air volume, blower discharge pressure, and solid levels can help facilitate smooth operation.

Reduce industrial pollution: Advocate for the use of renewable energy sources and the development of more sustainable practices in the maritime industry

The maritime industry is increasingly adopting renewable energy sources and sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact and preserve ocean health. Here are some ways in which the maritime industry can advocate for the use of renewable energy sources and develop more sustainable practices:

Renewable Energy Sources

• Offshore wind energy: The EU, for instance, aims to have at least 42.5% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, with offshore wind energy being the primary source. Offshore wind energy is also one of the mainstream renewable energy sources that can be harnessed by wind turbines.
• Marine renewable energy: This includes alternative energy sources such as wind, wave, tidal, ocean thermal, and salinity gradient energy. These sources can bring power to marine activities and reduce environmental pollution compared to traditional energy sources.
• Biofuel: Biofuel is another renewable energy source that can be used in the maritime industry.

Sustainable Practices

• Energy efficiency and emission reduction: This can be achieved through better ship designs, propeller improvements, real-time route optimisation, and the use of alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels, hydrogen, and ammonia.
• Electrification: Using electric or hybrid propulsion systems, especially for short-distance and coastal shipping, can reduce emissions.
• Compliance with regulations: Complying with and exceeding regulations set by organisations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) can help reduce emissions and protect the ocean.
• Technological innovations: Air lubrication systems, wind-assisted propulsion technologies, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems can all help reduce the industry's environmental impact.
• Operational improvements: Slow steaming, enhanced port operations, digitalisation, and sustainable ship recycling are some operational improvements that can reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
• Collaboration and partnerships: Industry-wide collaborations and public-private partnerships can accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable maritime technologies and infrastructure.
• Education and training: Training crew members on energy-efficient practices and raising awareness about sustainable practices within the maritime community are crucial for a sustainable future.

Frequently asked questions