Kiera Jefferson
The Southern Ocean surrounds Antarctica and extends up the coasts of its neighbouring continents. It is a region of extreme environmental importance, home to a unique ecosystem and playing a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate. However, the Southern Ocean is not immune to pollution. The majority of marine pollution comes from human activities, with 80% of ocean pollution originating from land-based sources. This includes runoff from farms, vehicles, septic tanks, and factories, as well as direct dumping of industrial waste and oil spills. Plastic pollution is a significant component of ocean pollution, with an estimated 14 million metric tons resting on the seafloor and up to 12 million metric tons being dumped into the oceans annually. By 2050, it is predicted that plastic will outweigh all the ocean's fish. The Southern Ocean, like the rest of the world's oceans, is under threat from human activities, and urgent action is needed to address this growing problem.
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What You'll Learn
- The Southern Ocean has less plastic pollution than its northern counterparts
- Pollution in the Southern Ocean comes from runoff, vehicles, farms, and more
- Oil spills account for just 12% of the oil in oceans, with the rest from runoff
- Plastic microfibers from laundry are another source of pollution in the Southern Ocean
- Ocean noise pollution from shipping and military activity affects a class of invertebrates
The Southern Ocean has less plastic pollution than its northern counterparts
The Southern Ocean is less afflicted by plastic pollution than its northern counterparts, namely the North Pacific and Indian Oceans, which contain 56% of all plastic particles. While the Southern Ocean is relatively less polluted, it is still affected by human activities, such as runoff from land-based sources, vehicles, farms, and marine shipping.
The majority of ocean pollution comes from human activities, with an estimated 80% of plastic pollution originating from land-based use and 20% from marine-going vessels. This land-based pollution includes runoff from sources such as septic tanks, cars, trucks, boats, farms, and other human activities along coastlines and inland areas. Vehicles contribute significantly, with millions of motor vehicle engines leaking small amounts of oil onto roads and parking lots, which eventually make their way to the ocean.
Marine debris is a persistent problem in the Southern Ocean, with items such as plastic detergent bottles, crates, buoys, combs, and water bottles ending up in the waters. This plastic pollution has severe ecological consequences, impacting marine life and the multibillion-dollar shellfish industry. For example, plastic waste can break down into microplastics, which are ingested by marine animals, and the chemicals from plastic pollution can leach into the seawater, affecting the health of marine organisms and humans who consume contaminated seafood.
Noise pollution from shipping and military activity is another concern in the Southern Ocean. This type of pollution causes cellular damage to jellyfish, anemones, and other invertebrates, which are a vital food source for larger creatures in the ocean. Oil runoff from roads, rivers, and drainpipes also contributes to ocean pollution, with two to three times more oil entering the ocean through this method than from headline-grabbing oil spills.
While the Southern Ocean may have less plastic pollution than its northern counterparts, it is still significantly affected by human activities and faces various types of pollution that have far-reaching consequences for marine life and human health.
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Pollution in the Southern Ocean comes from runoff, vehicles, farms, and more
The Southern Ocean, like all oceans, faces the threat of pollution from a variety of sources. While it is not possible to determine exactly how much pollution is in this body of water, it is clear that human activities are a major contributor. It is estimated that around 80% of ocean pollution comes from land-based sources, while the remaining 20% comes from marine shipping, offshore industrial operations, and waste disposal at sea.
One significant source of pollution in the Southern Ocean is runoff. Nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff, includes small sources like septic tanks, vehicles, and boats, as well as larger sources such as farms, ranches, and forest areas. Oil, for example, often enters the ocean through runoff from roads, rivers, and drainpipes, with an estimated two to three times more oil entering the ocean this way than through headline-grabbing oil spills. Additionally, dirt and silt from fields or construction sites can run off into waterways, harming fish and wildlife habitats and making the water unsafe for humans and wildlife.
Vehicles are another contributor to pollution in the Southern Ocean. Millions of motor vehicle engines leak small amounts of oil each day onto roads and parking lots, which can eventually make their way into the ocean. Additionally, plastic pollution, which is the most visible component of ocean pollution, often comes from discarded plastic that is blown from overfilled garbage cans, landfills, and vehicles, ending up in rivers and streams that flow into the ocean.
Farms are also a source of pollution in the Southern Ocean. Agricultural runoff can cause massive in-shore contamination, and when agricultural nutrients such as nitrogen are dumped into the ocean in large amounts, they can stimulate the explosive growth of algae. When the algae decompose, they consume the oxygen in the surrounding waters, creating a dead zone that can result in mass die-offs of fish and other marine life.
Other sources of pollution in the Southern Ocean include direct dumping of industrial waste, noise pollution from shipping and military activity, and plastic waste, which can leach toxic chemicals into the seawater. These various sources of pollution have severe consequences for marine life, ecosystems, and even human health and well-being.
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Oil spills account for just 12% of the oil in oceans, with the rest from runoff
The Southern Hemisphere is less afflicted by plastic pollution than the Northern Hemisphere. The North Pacific and Indian Oceans contain 56% of all particles. However, the Southern Ocean is not immune to pollution.
Oil spills are a significant source of ocean pollution, with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill being a notable example. Oil spills can harm sea creatures, ruin beaches, and make seafood unsafe to eat. However, it is important to note that oil spills account for only 12% of the oil in the oceans. The majority of the oil comes from land-based runoff, which includes sources such as cities, highways, vehicles, farms, and septic tanks. This runoff flows into rivers and eventually makes its way into the ocean.
The report, "Oil in the Sea: IV" highlights that the second biggest source of oil in the ocean is natural seeps, where oil enters through fractures or faults in the seafloor. The report also mentions that discharge from oil and gas operations, such as offshore production or commercial vessels, contributes to the presence of oil in the ocean.
To address the issue of land-based runoff, individuals can play a role by reducing their use of fossil fuels, transitioning to electric vehicles, and improving car maintenance. These collective efforts can help decrease the amount of oil that enters the ocean through runoff and contribute to a healthier marine environment.
While the Southern Ocean may not bear the brunt of plastic pollution compared to other oceans, it is still vulnerable to the impacts of human activities and pollution, including oil spills and land-based runoff. Addressing these issues requires a combination of policy interventions, technological advancements, and individual efforts to reduce the human impact on this pristine environment.
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Plastic microfibers from laundry are another source of pollution in the Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean is not immune to the global problem of plastic pollution. While the Northern Hemisphere is more afflicted, with the North Pacific and Indian Oceans containing 56% of all plastic particles, the Southern Ocean is still affected by plastic pollution from land-based use and marine-going vessels.
Plastic microfibers from laundry are a significant source of pollution in the Southern Ocean. In 2011, scientists found that microfibers from laundry had been washing up on beaches worldwide. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, revealed that a single polyester item can produce more than 1,900 fibers in one wash, with all tested articles producing over 100 microfibers per liter of wastewater. The researchers provided strong evidence linking polyester from laundering to ocean pollution, finding microplastic fibers, mainly polyester, on 18 shorelines sampled worldwide.
The issue of microfiber pollution from laundry persists, with textiles estimated to produce 35% of microplastic pollution in the world's oceans, making them the largest known source. This equates to about 2.2 million tons of microfibers entering the ocean annually. While microfibers from laundry are not the only source of microplastic pollution, they contribute significantly to the problem. Scientists have found that clothing sheds microfibers constantly, both by being worn and during the washing process, with friction and turbulence in the washing machine sending microfibers into wastewater and, eventually, the ocean.
To address this issue, individuals can reduce microfiber shedding in laundry by choosing natural fibers like cotton and wool over synthetic ones. Additionally, washing synthetic clothing less frequently, using front-loading machines, and investing in special bags to trap fibers can help mitigate the problem. Companies that produce synthetic clothing also have a responsibility to address this issue by designing fabrics that shed less.
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Ocean noise pollution from shipping and military activity affects a class of invertebrates
The Southern Ocean, like other oceans, is affected by various forms of pollution. While plastic pollution and nonpoint source pollution are significant issues, this answer focuses on the impact of ocean noise pollution from shipping and military activity on a class of invertebrates.
Ocean noise pollution refers to the unwanted or harmful sounds generated by human activities in marine environments. Shipping and maritime transport are major contributors to this form of pollution, with propeller noise, seismic surveys, and sonar equipment creating an underwater soundscape that can interfere with marine life. Military activities, such as the use of sonar and explosives, further exacerbate noise pollution levels.
Invertebrates, including lobsters, crabs, and shrimp, are sensitive to noise pollution. They rely on sound for various aspects of their life, such as communication, navigation, and finding prey or mates. The impact of noise pollution on these invertebrates can be detrimental, leading to changes in behaviour, physiology, and reproduction cycles. For example, increased noise levels can cause invertebrates to relocate, disrupting their ability to find food and mates, and ultimately affecting their mortality rates.
Studies have shown that even low levels of noise pollution can have significant effects on marine invertebrates. In an experiment, blue whales were observed to alter their behaviour in response to sonar sounds, with potential consequences for their individual fitness, foraging ecology, and population health. This demonstrates how noise pollution can impact not only invertebrates but also the broader ecosystem, as changes in the behaviour and distribution of species can have cascading effects throughout marine food webs.
To mitigate the impact of ocean noise pollution on invertebrates and other marine life, efforts are being made to reduce propeller noise, mitigate sonar equipment sounds, and develop quieter technologies. Policies and guidelines, such as those issued by the International Maritime Organization, aim to minimise noise pollution from shipping and military sources. By addressing this issue, we can help restore the natural soundscape of the ocean and enable the recovery and well-being of marine invertebrates and ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that 80% of plastic pollution in the ocean comes from land-based use, with the remaining 20% coming from marine-going vessels. While there are no specific figures for the Southern Ocean, it is known that the Northern Hemisphere is worse afflicted, with the North Pacific and Indian Oceans containing 56% of all particles.
The majority of pollutants that enter the ocean come from human activities along coastlines and far inland. Nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff, is one of the biggest sources of pollution. This can come from septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and boats.
Ocean pollution poses serious threats to human health and well-being, as well as the health of marine life and ecosystems. Noise pollution, for example, can cause cellular damage to jellyfish and anemones, which are a vital food source for many creatures. Plastic pollution is also particularly dangerous, with an estimated 14 million metric tons of plastic on the ocean floor, and up to 12 million metric tons dumped into the oceans each year.
The UN has adopted a Global System Approach to achieve a "Clean Ocean", aiming to identify and efficiently reduce or remove sources of pollution. Brazil, a country bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, has made substantial research investments to better understand, evaluate, and manage ocean and coastal ecosystems.
