Kiera Jefferson
Oceans are among Earth's most valuable natural resources, providing more than half of the world's oxygen and governing the weather, among other vital functions. However, human activities are bombarding them with pollution. Eighty percent of marine pollution comes from land-based sources, including littering, storm winds, poor waste management, runoff from roads and farms, and natural events like hurricanes and tsunamis. This pollution takes many forms, including plastic debris, chemical runoff, crude oil, carbon emissions, and noise. Plastic pollution is particularly harmful as it does not biodegrade and can persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years, entangling marine life and being ingested by animals. Oil spills, while headline-grabbing, account for only 12% of the oil in our oceans, with the rest coming from runoff. Marine debris has formed giant garbage patches, with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch being the largest. The types of ocean pollution generated by humans are vast, and our impact on the seas is degrading their health at an alarming rate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Pollutants | Plastic, microplastics, nitrogen, phosphorus, crude oil, carbon emissions, noise, trash, oil, fertilizer, silt, top soil, chemical runoff, fossil fuels, etc. |
| Sources | Land-based sources, rivers, fishing gear, storm drains, sewers, air pollution, runoff, littering, poor waste management practices, storm water discharge, natural events, etc. |
| Impact | Marine life entanglement, ingestion, death, human health, climate change, hypoxia, algal blooms, dead zones, etc. |
| Prevention | Waste management, prevention of plastic waste from entering rivers, NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Land-based sources: storm drains, sewers, littering, poor waste management, runoff
- Oil spills
- Nonpoint source pollution: farms, septic tanks, vehicles, livestock ranches, etc
- Point source pollution: chemical spills, faulty factories, water treatment systems
- Plastic pollution: plastic bags, bottles, straws, containers, microplastics
Land-based sources: storm drains, sewers, littering, poor waste management, runoff
Storm drains, sewers, littering, poor waste management, and runoff are all land-based sources of ocean pollution. These sources contribute significantly to the billions of pounds of trash and other pollutants that enter the ocean each year.
Storm Drains
Storm drains are designed to quickly remove stormwater from paved surfaces, such as roads, parking lots, and driveways, to prevent flooding. The water flows through underground pipes and is released directly into nearby water bodies, including wetlands, streams, or ponds, without any treatment. This means that any pollutants on these paved surfaces, such as oil, chemicals, or other litter, are washed into these water bodies and can eventually make their way into the ocean.
Sewers
Sewage is another major source of ocean pollution. In areas without adequate sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities, sewage can enter water bodies and the ocean directly. Even in areas with treatment facilities, sewage can still enter the ocean due to aging infrastructure, facility malfunctions, or heavy rains that overwhelm the systems, leading to combined sewer overflows. Sewage discharged from treatment plants, upstream ecosystems, or directly into the ocean can contaminate beaches, fisheries, and groundwater, posing risks to both marine life and human health.
Littering and Poor Waste Management
Littering and poor waste management practices are significant contributors to marine debris. This includes items such as plastic detergent bottles, crates, buoys, combs, and abandoned fishing gear. Marine debris can harm or kill marine animals through ingestion or entanglement, damage habitats, and interfere with navigation safety. It is important to note that the majority of this debris originates on land and enters the ocean through coastal activities and runoff.
Runoff
Runoff, also known as nonpoint source pollution, is one of the biggest sources of ocean pollution. It occurs when pollutants from various sources, such as farms, septic tanks, vehicles, and industrial emissions, are carried off the land by stormwater or irrigation into nearby water bodies. These pollutants can include excess fertilizers, sewage, and chemicals used in agriculture and sewage treatment. Runoff contributes to the creation of ''dead zones'' in oceans, where high levels of pollution deplete oxygen and lead to the death of marine life.
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Oil spills
The consequences of large oil spills can be devastating and long-lasting. Oil spills can harm marine life in two main ways: fouling or oiling, and oil toxicity. Fouling or oiling occurs when oil physically impairs a plant or animal, such as by coating a bird's wings and leaving it unable to fly, or reducing the insulating ability of a sea otter's fur. Oil toxicity, on the other hand, is caused by the various toxic compounds found in oil, which can lead to health issues such as heart damage, stunted growth, immune system problems, and even death. Oil spills can also contaminate seafood, ruin beaches, and generate air pollutants during the cleanup process.
It is worth noting that oil spills from tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs, and wells account for only a portion of the oil in our oceans. In fact, it is estimated that only 12% of the oil in our oceans comes from headline-grabbing oil spills. A significant amount of oil also enters the ocean through runoff from roads, rivers, and drainpipes, as well as oil from land vehicles that is washed into the ocean during rainstorms.
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Nonpoint source pollution: farms, septic tanks, vehicles, livestock ranches, etc
Nonpoint source pollution is a significant contributor to ocean pollution and is challenging to address due to its diverse sources. Unlike pollution from industrial or sewage treatment plants, nonpoint source pollution arises from numerous diffuse sources, including farms, septic tanks, vehicles, and livestock ranches.
Farms and livestock ranches are significant contributors to nonpoint source pollution. Agricultural activities can contaminate water sources through runoff, infiltration, and irrigation return flows. Nutrients from fertilizers and livestock manure, pesticides, and other substances can be carried by rainfall or snowmelt into local streams, rivers, and groundwater. Increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus from these sources can stimulate algal blooms, leading to hypoxic conditions harmful to aquatic life. Additionally, farms can adopt soil and water conservation practices, such as drip irrigation and proper storage of livestock manure, to minimize the risk of pollutant runoff.
Septic tanks, when improperly maintained or located too close to water bodies, can also contribute to nonpoint source pollution. Leaks or overflows from septic tanks can contaminate the surrounding soil and eventually reach nearby water sources.
Vehicles are another source of nonpoint pollution. Rainwater can wash away leaked oils, particles from tires, and other contaminants from roads and parking lots, carrying them into storm sewers and nearby water bodies. This form of pollution is particularly prevalent in urban areas due to the extensive paved surfaces.
Nonpoint source pollution is challenging to manage due to its diverse and dispersed nature. However, public awareness and adoption of environmentally sound practices can help mitigate its impact on the environment, including oceans and other water bodies.
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Point source pollution: chemical spills, faulty factories, water treatment systems
Point source pollution is a type of pollution that comes from a single source. This is in contrast to non-point source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff and has multiple sources. Point source pollution events, though less frequent, often have large impacts.
Chemical Spills
Oil and chemical spills are a major contributor to point source pollution. When oil is spilled, it can enter the ocean and circulate in its waters, harming marine life. Oil spills can come from boats, airplanes, cars, trucks, and even lawnmowers.
Faulty Factories
Discharge from faulty or damaged factories is another form of point source pollution. Chemical discharges from factories can add to the toxic brew in the ocean, contributing to algal blooms and aquatic dead zones.
Water Treatment Systems
Water treatment systems can also be a source of point source pollution when they are faulty or damaged. Raw sewage overflow and the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water treatment systems can pollute the ocean. PFAS are human-created chemicals that are resistant to biodegradation and have been found in ground, surface, and drinking water.
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Plastic pollution: plastic bags, bottles, straws, containers, microplastics
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with plastic accumulating in oceans and on beaches, causing a global crisis. It is estimated that there are 15-51 trillion pieces of plastic in the oceans, with plastic pollution reaching every corner of the planet, from the equator to the poles, and from the sea floor to the Arctic ice sheets. The impact of plastic pollution on wildlife is devastating, with thousands of marine animals, such as seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other mammals, dying each year due to ingestion or entanglement in plastic waste.
Plastic bags, bottles, straws, containers, and microplastics are significant contributors to this crisis. Single-use plastic bags, for example, are commonly found in beach cleanups and contribute to the vast amount of plastic waste in the ocean. These bags, along with other lightweight single-use plastics, can be carried by the wind from beaches and coastal areas into the ocean. Rivers, especially larger and more polluted ones, are another major pathway for plastic pollution to enter the ocean. Maritime transport, fishing practices, farming, and waste from boats also contribute significantly to plastic pollution in the sea.
Plastic bottles and containers are also prevalent in marine debris. Many of these products are single-use and quickly discarded, often ending up in the ocean if not properly disposed of or recycled. Plastic bottles and containers, along with other plastic waste, can break down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics. These microplastics can be further categorized into microfibers, beads, and fragments. Microfibers can shed from synthetic clothing or fishing nets, while beads are often found in personal care products, such as soaps, toothpastes, and cleansers. Microplastics can absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides, dyes, and flame retardants, which they later release into the ocean.
The impact of microplastics on aquatic life is a growing concern. Aquatic birds and animals can mistake microplastics for food, leading to internal injuries, starvation, and death. While there has been some progress in addressing this issue, such as the ban on microbeads in the US in 2015, microplastics continue to pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems.
To combat plastic pollution from plastic bags, bottles, straws, containers, and microplastics, it is essential to reduce, reuse, and recycle these materials. Proper waste disposal and management are crucial to preventing plastic waste from entering the ocean. Additionally, choosing reusable alternatives, such as fabric bags or refillable water bottles, can significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution that reaches the ocean.
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Frequently asked questions
The ocean is polluted by a variety of sources, including plastic debris, chemical runoff, crude oil, carbon emissions, noise, and agricultural nutrients. The majority of this pollution comes from land-based sources, with 80% of marine litter travelling from the land to the sea via storm drains, sewers, and other routes.
Nonpoint source pollution is a major source of ocean pollution, caused by runoff from a variety of small and large sources. This includes septic tanks, vehicles, farms, livestock ranches, and timber harvest areas.
Point source pollution refers to pollution that comes from a single source, such as an oil or chemical spill, or discharge from faulty factories or water treatment systems.
Plastic enters the ocean through a variety of means, including littering, storm winds, and poor waste management practices. Plastic pollution is particularly harmful as it does not biodegrade and can persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years.
Pollution has a devastating impact on marine ecosystems and wildlife. Marine debris can entangle marine animals, be ingested by them, or release chemicals as it degrades, further contaminating the sea. Chemical pollution can create vast dead zones by stimulating the growth of toxic algal blooms, resulting in mass die-offs of marine life.
