Brian Barton
Marine debris and pollutants in the ocean are a pressing issue that affects the health of the ocean, marine species, food safety, human health, and coastal tourism. While the exact number of people contributing to ocean pollutants is unknown, it is evident that human activities are the primary source of ocean pollution. The majority of pollutants enter the ocean from coastlines and far inland, with nonpoint source pollution being the biggest contributor. This type of pollution arises from runoff from various sources, including septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and livestock ranches. Additionally, plastic pollution, which comes from both high-income and low-to-middle-income countries, poses a significant threat to marine life and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of pollution from land | 80% |
| Percentage of pollution from nonpoint sources | 86% |
| Percentage of oil in oceans from spills | 12% |
| Amount of plastic dumped into oceans each year | 10-12 million metric tons |
| Amount of plastic dumped into oceans each year (in pounds) | 26 billion |
| Number of plastic microfibers in the ocean | 4 billion per square kilometer |
| Amount of plastic waste deposited in oceans each year | 10 million tons |
| Amount of plastic waste that is mismanaged | 1/5th |
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What You'll Learn
Marine debris from land
Marine debris is a persistent global issue that affects all marine habitats, from densely populated areas to remote regions far from human activity. Marine debris is defined as any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or the Great Lakes.
The majority of marine debris (approximately 80%) comes from land-based sources, with the remaining 20% coming from ocean-based sources such as lost fishing gear and vessels. Land-based marine debris comes from human activities that take place on land, such as littering, poor waste management practices, stormwater discharge, and extreme natural events such as tsunamis and hurricanes.
One of the biggest sources of land-based marine pollution is nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff from various sources such as septic tanks, vehicles, farms, livestock ranches, and timber harvest areas. This type of pollution can make rivers and oceans unsafe for humans and wildlife and can even cause beaches to be closed after rainstorms.
Plastics are the most prevalent type of marine debris, contributing an estimated 60-80% of all marine debris. Plastic pollution is a significant issue as plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade, and even then, it may only break down into microplastics rather than disappearing entirely. These microplastics can be ingested by marine animals, leading to disastrous consequences for the health of the planet and all its inhabitants.
The problem of marine debris is not limited to a specific location but is a global issue that requires worldwide cooperation. It is challenging to determine exactly how much marine debris enters the ocean, and once it is in the ocean, it can be difficult to track its origin. However, it is clear that marine debris has far-reaching impacts on the environment, economy, safety, health, and culture.
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Nonpoint source pollution
Fertilizer from yards, sewage from treatment plants, and litter such as plastic detergent bottles, crates, buoys, combs, and water bottles can also contribute to nonpoint source pollution in the ocean. This type of pollution can have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife. It can also impact the economies of coastal communities, as it affects the beauty and health of coastal lands and waters, making them less appealing to tourists.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed programs to address nonpoint source pollution, such as the Nonpoint Source Management Program and the Coastal Zone Management Program. These programs aim to protect coastal waters and reduce the impact of agricultural practices on nonpoint source pollution. Additionally, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act have helped to limit both point-source and nonpoint-source pollution in the United States.
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Point source pollution
Eighty percent of ocean pollution comes from land-based sources. Pollution that comes from a single identifiable source, like an oil or chemical spill, is known as point source pollution. Factories, sewage treatment plants, and large farms that raise livestock are common sources of point source pollution. These farms are called concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) or concentrated feeding operations (CFOs). If these farms do not treat their animals' waste, it can enter nearby water bodies as raw sewage, contributing to the rate and level of pollution.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines point source pollution as "any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe, ditch, ship, or factory smokestack." Faulty or damaged factories or water treatment systems that discharge pollutants are considered point sources. Some factories and sewage treatment plants manage waste by mixing it with urban runoff in a combined sewer system. This system can overflow during heavy rain, discharging untreated sewage and polluted water directly into nearby water bodies. This combined sewer overflow (CSO) is considered point source pollution and can pose risks to human health and the environment.
To regulate point source pollution, the Clean Water Act established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Under the NPDES, point sources must obtain permits and use advanced technologies to treat their waste and reduce pollutants before discharge. While point source pollution events are less frequent, they can have significant impacts when they occur.
Nonpoint source pollution, which occurs due to runoff from various sources like septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and forest areas, is another significant contributor to ocean pollution. However, point source pollution, as the name suggests, originates from specific, identifiable sources and can be directly addressed through regulations and technologies aimed at reducing the discharge of pollutants into marine environments.
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Plastic pollution
One of the main contributors to plastic pollution is improper waste management. It is estimated that only 9% of plastic is recycled globally, while the rest is burned, buried, or ends up polluting our environment. Inadequate waste management systems, particularly in middle-income countries, struggle to keep up with increasing plastic consumption. As a result, a significant portion of plastic waste is either not collected, improperly disposed of, or becomes litter, eventually making its way into waterways and oceans.
Another factor influencing ocean plastic pollution is the production and consumption of single-use plastics. Many plastic products, such as bottles, caps, shopping bags, and straws, are designed for temporary use and are often discarded after a single use. These items contribute significantly to plastic waste, as they are not always properly disposed of or recycled. Additionally, during storms and heavy rain events, plastic emissions can increase substantially as trash is washed into waterways, increasing the likelihood of plastic reaching the ocean.
The consequences of plastic pollution are far-reaching and severe. Marine wildlife, including fish, turtles, seals, and birds, suffer direct harm from entanglement and ingestion of plastic debris. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic that result from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, have infiltrated marine ecosystems and entered the food chain. These microscopic pieces of plastic have been found in marine life, ranging from fish to whales, and have even made their way into human food systems. The ingestion of microplastics can lead to disastrous consequences for the health of both marine species and humans.
Furthermore, plastic pollution contributes to climate change. Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, and its production and incineration release greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global warming. The economic costs of plastic pollution are also significant, impacting tourism, fisheries, and cleanup efforts, with annual costs estimated between $6-19 billion USD.
Addressing plastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach. While reducing plastic production and consumption is important, the primary focus should be on improving waste management practices to prevent plastic from entering rivers and oceans. This includes implementing domestic policies for better waste management and investing in waste management infrastructure, especially in middle- and low-income countries. Additionally, international agreements, such as the United Nations Environment Assembly's legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution, are crucial steps towards tackling this global issue.
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Oil pollution
Oil spills can range from large, headline-grabbing disasters, such as the Persian Gulf Oil spill, which leaked over 888 million litres of oil into the ocean near Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, to smaller, routine spills that occur more frequently. In the United States, for example, there were over 6,000 oil spills between 2010 and 2020, averaging nearly two spills per day. These spills can have devastating consequences for marine life and coastal communities, with impacts that can last for decades or even forever.
Oil spills can poison marine life, with even small zooplankton and large creatures like dolphins and whales being harmed. The oil can also damage sensitive habitats and interfere with navigation safety. The cleanup and recovery process for oil spills can be challenging and depends on the characteristics of the affected environment, such as whether it is an open ocean, wetland, or coastal region. Some common countermeasures include removal techniques such as filtering, skimming, and in situ combustion or containment.
In addition to oil spills, the exploration, drilling, and decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure contribute to oil pollution. These activities release dangerous chemicals and create noise pollution, which can harm marine life and ecosystems. Offshore oil production operations, including drilling and leaks from tankers and ships, account for approximately 8% of the total amount of oil waste that reaches the ocean's surface. Furthermore, about 13% of oil pollution comes from hydrocarbon particles from onshore air pollution, and nearly 20% comes from routine maintenance of water vessels.
To combat oil pollution, various measures have been implemented. For example, the U.S. federal court banned seismic airgun blasting in the Atlantic, and East and West Coast governors opposed offshore drilling. These efforts aim to prevent oil spills and reduce the impact of oil pollution on the ocean and its ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
It is impossible to know exactly how many people contribute to ocean pollutants, but it is safe to say that billions of pounds of trash and other pollutants enter the ocean each year, so it is likely that billions of people contribute to the pollution of the ocean.
Eighty percent of pollution in the ocean comes from land-based sources. Nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff, is one of the biggest sources. This can come from septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and boats, among other sources.
A 2017 study found that Asian countries contribute 86% of plastic emissions to the ocean, with Indonesia and India being the biggest polluters.
Marine life, ecosystems, human health, and coastal tourism are all negatively impacted by ocean pollution. It also contributes to climate change.
To reduce ocean pollution, waste management practices must be improved. This includes recycling, incineration, and sealed landfills.
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