The Ocean's Garbage: Where Does It Come From?

Marine debris, or garbage, in the ocean is a pressing issue. It is estimated that 12 million metric tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans each year, with 80% of plastic in the ocean originating on land. Garbage in the ocean comes from a variety of sources, including runoff from human activities, littering, inadequate waste management, and industrial activities. For example, plastic waste can be blown away from landfills and end up in rivers that flow into the ocean. Rainwater and wind can also carry plastic waste into streams and rivers, and through drains that lead to the ocean. In addition, litter left on beaches or thrown from boats or offshore facilities can end up in the ocean. To address the issue of ocean garbage, it is important to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic products, as well as improve waste management systems.

Human activities along coastlines and inland

Improper waste management and littering are also significant factors in coastal and inland areas. Nearly 400 tonnes of plastic waste are generated globally each year, and only about 9% is recycled. Plastic waste can be blown away from landfills and trash bins by the wind, ending up in rivers and oceans. Additionally, littering, especially in regions lacking proper waste infrastructure, contributes to the problem.

Careless waste disposal, such as illegal dumping, also plays a role in ocean pollution. Plastic products that are not properly disposed of can be washed into streams, rivers, and oceans through rainwater and stormwater discharge. This includes items such as plastic bottles, fishing gear, and microplastics from sources like synthetic clothing and cosmetic beads.

Industrial activities and faulty or damaged factories can also contribute to point source pollution, where pollutants are discharged directly into the ocean. Oil spills, chemical spills, and faulty water treatment systems are examples of point source pollution that can have severe impacts on marine environments.

Inland human activities, such as increased consumption and improper waste management, contribute to the overall problem of plastic pollution. While only a small proportion of plastic is disposed of incorrectly, even a small amount can have a significant impact on the ocean. Furthermore, with the increasing production and use of plastic in consumer and industrial products, the issue of plastic pollution is becoming more widespread.

Landfills and littering

Littering directly contributes to the presence of garbage in the ocean. Once litter accumulates in or near a community, it can create health and safety risks for residents. It serves as a breeding ground for bacteria and can spread diseases through direct or indirect contact. Mismanaged trash may also attract pests or cause fires. Furthermore, litter can be blown or washed out to sea through storm drains, eventually becoming marine debris.

Careless and improper waste disposal, including illegal dumping, significantly adds to the plastic surge in oceans. Daily products such as wet wipes, cotton buds, and sanitary items are often flushed down toilets, contributing to the problem. Microfibres released from washing clothes in washing machines are another source of plastic pollution in waterways. These microfibres are too small to be filtered out by wastewater plants and end up being consumed by small marine organisms, eventually entering our food chain.

The presence of abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) in coastal waters is another visible form of marine debris. ADVs pose threats to oceans, coasts, and waterways by obstructing navigational channels, causing environmental harm, and diminishing commercial and recreational activities. Natural disasters such as hurricanes can result in a large number of ADVs, making cleanup and impact assessment challenging and expensive.

Storm drains, canals, and rivers

Littering and improperly closed trash bins are common sources of garbage in storm drains. Wind can carry lightweight items like plastic bags and food wrappers, while rain or runoff can sweep them into storm drains. Even if someone lives far from the coast, their actions can still impact the health of waterways that eventually flow into the ocean.

Canals and rivers are also significant conduits of garbage into the oceans. Plastic waste, in particular, is a major concern in these water bodies. Wind plays a crucial role in mobilizing plastic bags, even at low speeds. Once in motion, plastic bags and other lightweight items can be carried by the wind into canals and rivers, eventually making their way downstream towards the ocean.

Organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are actively working to address this issue by developing river interception methods and mathematical models to target the most polluted areas. They collaborate with other organizations, such as the Bharat Clean Rivers Foundation, to combat plastic pollution in heavily polluted and remote environments. Additionally, innovative technologies like bubble barriers have been implemented in some canals to prevent plastic waste from reaching the oceans. These barriers use renewable energy to generate a bubble curtain that redirects plastic waste into a catchment system while allowing ships and fish to pass through unobstructed.

Oil spills and chemical spills

Oil spills can have devastating impacts on aquatic life and ecosystems. Oil on the ocean's surface blocks sunlight and reduces dissolved oxygen levels, harming marine organisms that depend on these resources. Crude oil also damages the insulating and waterproofing properties of feathers and fur, leading to hypothermia and death in birds and marine mammals. Ingesting oil is toxic to animals, further threatening their populations. Additionally, oil spills wreak havoc on plant life, including saltwater marshes and mangroves.

The economic repercussions of oil spills can be significant. Fisheries may be forced to close, tourism may decline due to polluted beaches and shorelines, and navigation routes may temporarily shut down. These impacts can persist for decades, hindering the long-term recovery of affected regions.

Chemical spills, similar to oil spills, are classified as point source pollution, which originates from a single source. They can have equally devastating effects on the environment and local communities. When chemicals are released into coastal waterways, they can kill wildlife, destroy habitats, and contaminate critical resources in the food chain. This contamination poses risks not only to the environment but also to the people and communities that depend on these ecosystems for survival, commerce, recreation, and cultural practices.

Assessing and mitigating the damage caused by oil and chemical spills is crucial. Organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) work to protect and restore affected areas. They conduct natural resource damage assessments to determine the extent of harm and develop restoration plans. Additionally, they track contamination and its effects on local flora and fauna, aiming to restore ecosystems to their pre-spill conditions.

Improper waste disposal

The improper disposal of waste is a significant contributor to the plastic surge in our oceans. This includes littering, illegal dumping, and inadequate waste management systems.

Littering is a major issue, particularly in regions lacking proper waste infrastructure. According to the UN Environment Programme, approximately two billion people worldwide do not have access to solid waste collection services. This lack of infrastructure means that plastic waste is often left in the open, where it can be blown away by the wind and eventually washed into rivers and oceans.

Illegal dumping of waste is another significant problem. This includes the deliberate disposal of garbage from factories, industries, ships, aircraft, and offshore platforms. For example, in the United States, it is estimated that more than 55,000 containers of radioactive waste were dumped into the ocean between 1946 and 1970. The London Convention, an international treaty organization, was formed in 1972 to protect the ocean from the deliberate disposal of wastes.

Inadequate waste management systems in some countries also contribute to the problem. For instance, after China banned plastic imports in 2018, countries with poor waste management systems, such as Indonesia, became dumping grounds for plastic waste originating in the United States.

To combat the issue of improper waste disposal, governments should improve waste management systems, promote plastic recycling, and reduce the sale and use of single-use plastics. By addressing the issue at its source, we can protect marine life from further harm caused by ocean plastic pollution.

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