Ocean Pollution's Impact On Humans: An Infographic Overview

Ocean pollution is a serious threat to human health and well-being. It is caused primarily by human activities, with more than 80% of ocean pollution coming from land-based sources. The oceans provide food, livelihoods, and cultural and recreational value to billions of people around the world, and ocean pollution puts these benefits at risk.

The most visible component of ocean pollution is plastic debris, which is rapidly accumulating and killing marine life. However, it is the invisible chemicals, particles, metals, and biological toxins that have been shown to have the most significant impact on human health. These toxins can enter the human body through the consumption of contaminated seafood, which can result in various health problems such as hormonal issues, reproductive issues, damage to the nervous system, and kidney problems.

Coal combustion is a major source of mercury pollution in the oceans, which can cause brain development issues and increase the risk of heart disease and dementia in adults. Plastic waste, which makes up an estimated 80% of marine pollution, breaks down into microplastics that can be ingested by marine life and humans, potentially harming their health.

Other sources of ocean pollution include manufactured chemicals, petroleum wastes, agricultural runoff, and biological threats like harmful algal blooms. Coastal pollution, industrial discharges, and sewage increase the frequency and severity of harmful algal blooms, which produce toxins that can cause respiratory disease and rapid death.

Overall, ocean pollution poses a clear and present danger to human health and well-being, and urgent and immediate action is needed to address this growing global problem.

Plastic waste

The impact of plastic waste extends beyond marine life, as it also poses risks to human health. As plastic breaks down into tiny particles, known as microplastics, they can be ingested by fish and other seafood, which then enters the human food chain. These microplastics can cause digestive issues, immune system problems, and even long-term health risks such as cancer. Furthermore, the chemicals found in plastic, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides, can contaminate water supplies and accumulate in the tissues of fish, making them unsafe for human consumption.

The problem of plastic waste in the ocean is a pressing global crisis that requires urgent action. With plastic production and consumption increasing worldwide, it is essential to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic products to prevent further pollution and protect both marine life and human health.

Mercury pollution

Mercury is a heavy metal that cycles through the atmosphere, water, and soil. Due to this natural mercury cycle, irrespective of which part of the world releases mercury, it could affect another part of the world, making mercury pollution a global concern. Mercury pollution is now identified as a global problem, and international action plans are being discussed to minimize anthropogenic mercury emissions and clean up mercury pollution.

Mercury bioaccumulates in marine food chains in the form of highly toxic methylmercury, which poses significant health risks to humans who consume seafood. As a top predator, tuna has mercury levels that are 10 million times higher than those in the surrounding seawater. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mercury consumption can result in health issues such as loss of peripheral vision, weakened muscles, impaired hearing and speech, and deteriorated movement coordination. The effects are even more severe in infants and developing children, as mercury exposure inhibits brain and nervous system development, leading to damage to memory, cognitive thinking, language abilities, attention, and fine motor skills.

To address the issue of mercury pollution in the ocean, it is crucial to monitor and regulate oceanic mercury levels to prevent further contamination of seafood and protect human health. Additionally, reducing the usage of coal power, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, minimizing small-scale artisanal gold mining, and properly treating industrial mercury waste are essential steps in mitigating mercury emissions in the long term.

Petroleum pollutants

Petroleum-based pollutants are a significant concern within the broader issue of ocean pollution. These pollutants can enter the ocean through oil spills, which have devastating effects on marine life and, consequently, on human health and well-being.

Marine wildlife, including birds and mammals, are exposed to these toxins through ingestion, absorption, and inhalation. The ingestion of petroleum-based pollutants can lead to severe health issues such as digestive problems, ulcers, bleeding, kidney and liver damage, reproductive failure, and anemia. Inhalation can cause long-lasting lung problems. Additionally, petroleum pollutants impact the immune systems of fish, making them more susceptible to infections.

The presence of PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) in oil spills has been associated with DNA damage in various marine species. This genetic harm has been linked to hepatic, pulmonary, and cardiac lesions in Arctic seals, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of petroleum pollution in our oceans.

Furthermore, petroleum-based pollutants impede the production of oxygen by beneficial marine microorganisms. These microorganisms are crucial for generating oxygen through photosynthesis, and their disruption has a ripple effect on the entire marine ecosystem. This reduction in oxygen production further exacerbates the challenges faced by marine life and can have indirect implications for human health as well.

Harmful algal blooms

Direct contact with harmful algae can cause skin and eye irritation. Inhalation of fine spray or droplets from affected water can result in mild respiratory issues and symptoms similar to hay fever, especially during water-based activities like swimming or boating. Ingesting contaminated water or seafood can lead to gastroenteritis, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and headaches. These toxins may also impact the liver and nervous system.

To reduce the risk of exposure to harmful algal blooms, it is important to avoid water that appears discoloured or has visible scum. Do not swim or engage in water sports where direct contact with affected water is possible. It is also crucial to follow local advisories and warnings regarding water quality and avoid consuming seafood known to be harvested from affected areas.

The growth of harmful algal blooms is influenced by environmental factors such as warm water temperatures, sunlight, and low flow rates. Nutrient-rich conditions, often caused by runoff containing fertilisers and sewage, also contribute to their development.

Dangerous microorganisms

Ocean pollution is causing the proliferation of dangerous microorganisms, which in turn are affecting human health. The oceans are seeing an increase in the abundance and expanded geographic range of naturally occurring marine pathogens, such as Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera. Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Mycobacterium marinum are also pathogenic bacteria that pose significant risks to human health.

The warming of sea surfaces and worsening marine pollution are the main drivers of this change. As a result, the geographic ranges of these naturally occurring pathogens are expanding, and the oceans are seeing an influx of microorganisms from land-based sources. This is endangering the survival of calcium-containing microorganisms at the base of the marine food web, which is having a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.

The oceans are a critical source of oxygen, providing over 70% of the oxygen we breathe. However, ocean pollution is impeding the ability of beneficial marine microorganisms to produce oxygen. Petroleum-based pollutants and POPs (persistent organic pollutants) are key contributors to this issue.

Additionally, ocean acidification, caused by increasing carbon dioxide absorption, is increasing the toxicity of certain heavy metals and organic pollutants. This is further endangering marine life and impacting the health of those who consume seafood.

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