Bronte Wells
Oceans are one of the most valuable natural resources on Earth, providing more than half of the world's oxygen and governing the weather, among other vital functions. However, human activities have led to the contamination of these vital ecosystems with pollutants such as plastic, oil, carbon emissions, and chemical runoff. The majority of this pollution comes from land-based sources, including littering, poor waste management, runoff from roads and farms, and storm water discharge. Marine debris, such as plastic, can persist in the ocean for hundreds of years, endangering marine life, interfering with navigation, and impacting human health. With an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste entering the ocean annually, the health of marine ecosystems is degrading at an alarming rate, threatening the diverse species that depend on them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marine debris | Plastic, derelict fishing gear, abandoned vessels, microplastics |
| Marine debris sources | Land-based sources (80%), littering, storm winds, poor waste management, storm water discharge, extreme natural events |
| Pollution from runoff | Chemical, nutrient, oil |
| Point source pollution | Oil spills, chemical spills, faulty factories, damaged water treatment systems |
| Nonpoint source pollution | Septic tanks, vehicles, farms, livestock ranches, timber harvest areas |
| Other pollution sources | Offshore drilling, noise, carbon emissions, air pollution |
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What You'll Learn
Nonpoint source pollution
Eighty percent of marine pollution comes from land-based sources, and one of the biggest sources of this pollution is nonpoint source pollution. Nonpoint source pollution occurs as a result of runoff from sources like septic tanks, vehicles, farms, ranches, and timber harvest areas. This type of pollution is a concern because it can make rivers and oceans unsafe for both humans and wildlife.
Another example of nonpoint source pollution is plastic waste, which is a significant contributor to marine debris. Plastic waste can come from sources such as disposable shopping bags, beverage bottles, shipping packaging, drinking straws, and yogurt containers. These plastics do not biodegrade and can persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years, polluting beaches, entangling marine life, and being ingested by animals.
The impact of nonpoint source pollution is so significant that it has led to the creation of specific control plans, such as NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program, which aims to address and mitigate the effects of this type of pollution in coastal states.
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Point source pollution
Pollution that comes from a single identifiable source is known as point source pollution. This type of pollution includes events like oil spills, chemical spills, and discharge from faulty factories or damaged water treatment systems. While these incidents of point source pollution occur less frequently, they often have large impacts.
Oil spills are a well-known example of point source pollution, with each incident releasing billions of pounds of oil into the ocean. While tanker spills contribute to a significant amount of oil in the ocean, it's important to note that regular operations in the shipping industry, both legal and illegal discharges, contribute about one-third of the oil pollution. Additionally, oil pollution can also come from land-based sources such as factories, farms, and cities, where millions of vehicles drip oil onto roads and parking lots every day.
Another example of point source pollution is the discharge of wastewater or effluent from manufacturers, oil refineries, or wastewater treatment facilities. This can include the release of chemicals and other contaminants that are harmful to the ocean and its ecosystems. Similarly, leaking septic systems can also contaminate water sources, leading to point source pollution.
The impact of point source pollution can be devastating to marine life and ecosystems. For instance, the release of agricultural nutrients such as nitrogen into the ocean can stimulate the rapid growth of algae. When the algae decompose, they consume oxygen in the surrounding waters, creating dead zones that result in mass die-offs of fish and other marine organisms.
To address point source pollution, regulatory bodies like the EPA establish limits on the amount and type of discharge allowed by facilities directly into bodies of water. By enforcing these regulations, the goal is to minimize the impact of point sources on the ocean and other water bodies.
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Land-based sources
Eighty percent of marine pollution comes from land-based sources, including those far inland. This pollution enters the ocean through storm drains, sewers, and other routes.
One of the biggest sources of land-based marine pollution is nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff. Nonpoint source pollution includes many small sources, like septic tanks, cars, trucks, and boats, as well as larger sources, such as farms, ranches, and forest areas. For example, millions of motor vehicle engines drop small amounts of oil each day onto roads and parking lots, which eventually makes its way to the sea. Some water pollution starts as air pollution, which settles into waterways and oceans. Dirt can also be a pollutant, with topsoil or silt from fields or construction sites running off into waterways and harming fish and wildlife habitats.
Another major contributor to land-based marine pollution is plastic waste, which accounts for the majority of the garbage that enters the ocean each year. Unlike other trash, single-use plastic items such as bags, water bottles, drinking straws, and yogurt containers do not biodegrade. Instead, they persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years, polluting beaches, entangling marine life, and being ingested by animals. Plastic waste also breaks down into microplastics, which can find their way into the food chain and release chemicals that further contaminate the sea.
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Oil spills
It is important to note that oil spills account for only about 12% of the oil in the oceans. A much larger amount of oil, up to three times more, is carried out to sea through runoff from roads, rivers, and drainpipes.
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Plastic pollution
On land, plastic pollution can enter the ocean through littering, poor waste management practices, stormwater discharge, and extreme natural events such as tsunamis and hurricanes. Rivers are the main source of ocean plastic pollution, with plastic waste being carried out to sea. In addition, nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff from sources like septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and livestock ranches, also contributes significantly to plastic pollution in the ocean.
Ocean-based sources of plastic pollution include derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels. Fishing nets, in particular, are a major contributor to plastic pollution in the ocean. When fishing gear is lost or abandoned, it can continue to capture and kill wildlife, damage habitats, and interfere with navigation safety.
The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is devastating. Marine animals can easily mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion or entanglement, which can be deadly. Plastic pollution also accumulates in massive circular currents called gyres, forming giant garbage patches. The most well-known garbage patch is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located in the North Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California. This garbage patch covers an area twice the size of Texas and contains an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of trash, with microplastics making up about 8% of its mass.
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Frequently asked questions
Pollution enters the ocean through a variety of human activities, including dumping, spilling, leaking, and land-based sources such as littering, storm drains, sewers, and poor waste management practices.
The two main types of pollution in the ocean are chemicals and trash, with plastic debris being the most common type of marine litter. Other types of pollution include crude oil, carbon emissions, noise, and agricultural nutrients such as nitrogen.
Nonpoint source pollution is a significant contributor to ocean pollution, accounting for 80% of marine pollution. It occurs when pollutants from various small sources, such as septic tanks, vehicles, and farms, accumulate and eventually make their way into the ocean through runoff.
Ocean pollution has severe impacts on marine life and ecosystems. Marine animals, such as sea turtles, often mistake plastic for food, leading to internal blockages and death. Additionally, chemicals released from plastic degradation further contaminate the sea, threatening the health of marine organisms and humans alike.
