Bronte Wells
Ocean pollution is a critical environmental issue that poses a threat to the health of our planet and everyone on it. It is caused primarily by human activities, with an estimated 80% of marine pollution originating on land. This pollution includes a complex mixture of toxic metals, plastics, manufactured chemicals, petroleum, urban and industrial waste, pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceutical chemicals, agricultural runoff, and sewage. Plastic pollution is of particular concern, with an estimated 10 million metric tons of plastic waste entering the seas each year. These plastics can take hundreds of years to biodegrade and have been found to contain at least 4,219 chemicals that are associated with hazardous properties and can cause serious health issues for humans and marine life. Other significant contributors to ocean pollution include oil spills, atmospheric pollution, and deep-sea mining. The impacts of ocean pollution are widespread, including contaminated seafood, massive dead zones, compromised biodiversity, and mental and physical health consequences for humans and marine life. Addressing ocean pollution is crucial to safeguarding the health and well-being of all living beings and ecosystems dependent on our oceans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of ocean pollution caused by humans | 80% |
| Plastic waste entering the ocean annually | 10 million metric tons |
| Number of plastic particles in the ocean | 171 trillion |
| Weight of plastic particles in the ocean | 2.3 million tons |
| Number of plastic particles in the ocean (another estimate) | 5.25 trillion |
| Number of plastic particles in the ocean (yet another estimate) | 51 trillion |
| Weight of plastic particles in the ocean (yet another estimate) | 269,000 tons |
| Percentage of plastic waste that is short-lived | 66% |
| Number of chemicals in plastics that are of concern | 4,219 |
| Percentage of plastic waste in the UK that is branded | 65% |
| Number of product brands associated with plastic pollution in the UK | 80 |
| Number of gallons of oil spilled in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 | 134 million |
| Number of barrels of oil spilled in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill | 4 million |
| Number of days the Deepwater Horizon oil spill lasted | 87 |
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What You'll Learn
Oil spills and other point source pollution
Oil spills are a major source of ocean pollution, with thousands of smaller spills occurring each year in addition to large, high-profile incidents. Oil spills can harm sea creatures, ruin beaches, and make seafood unsafe to eat. They also have serious impacts on mental health, particularly in low-income areas.
Crude oil lasts for years in the ocean and is difficult to clean up. The largest oil spill in recent history was the 2010 Deepwater Horizon well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico, which spilled roughly 134 million gallons of oil into the ocean. The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 is another example of a significant oil spill, and scientists learned that high-pressure, hot-water hoses used to clean up beaches caused more damage than the oil alone.
Oil spills are an example of point source pollution, which occurs when pollution comes from a single source. Other examples include chemical spills and discharge from faulty or damaged factories or water treatment systems. Point source pollution events often have large impacts but occur less frequently than non-point source pollution.
Non-point source pollution is the accumulation of pollution from small sources that cannot be easily identified. Examples include individual cars, boats, farms, construction sites, and timber harvest areas. Non-point source pollution typically becomes ocean pollution via runoff, when rain or snow moves pollutants from the ground into the ocean. Atmospheric pollution is another form of non-point source pollution, where objects are carried by the wind into the ocean, such as littering and single-use plastics.
Both point source and non-point source pollution have serious impacts on the health of the ocean and the planet.
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Nonpoint source pollution, including runoff
Ocean pollution is a significant environmental issue that poses a threat to the health of the planet. Nonpoint source pollution (NPS) is a major contributor to ocean pollution, accounting for most of the pollution in our oceans. NPS pollution is caused by the accumulation of pollutants from various small sources that cannot be pinpointed, such as individual cars, boats, farms, and construction sites. These sources can include both natural and human-made contaminants, such as oil, pet waste, pesticides, fertilisers, and road salt.
NPS pollution typically becomes ocean pollution through runoff, which occurs when rain or snowmelt moves these pollutants from the ground into nearby waterways, such as rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands. For example, after a heavy rainstorm, water flowing off roads can carry oil and other contaminants into the ocean. Wind can also play a role in NPS pollution, carrying dirt and debris from land and depositing them onto the ocean's surface.
Agricultural activities, such as working farms and ranches, can significantly impact water quality and contribute to NPS pollution. Fertilisers, pesticides, and sediment from farm fields can be washed into nearby waterways, affecting aquatic ecosystems and water resources. Forestry practices, such as timber harvesting and road construction, can also lead to NPS pollution by disrupting natural habitats and increasing soil erosion.
Urban areas are another significant source of NPS pollution. Runoff from city streets, parking lots, and other developed lands can carry a range of contaminants, including oil, metals, and toxic chemicals. These pollutants can enter storm drains and directly flow into lakes and streams, untreated, further contributing to the degradation of water quality. Additionally, coastal waterways can be contaminated by various activities at marinas, such as boat cleaning, fueling operations, and sewage discharge.
The impacts of NPS pollution are widespread and detrimental. It can damage aquatic habitats, harm aquatic life, and reduce the availability of safe drinking water. Sediment, a common pollutant in NPS pollution, can cloud the water, making it difficult for aquatic organisms to feed and navigate. It can also damage fish gills and impede the breathing of aquatic insects. Additionally, NPS pollution can introduce toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the water, further endangering aquatic life and potentially impacting human health.
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Plastic pollution and microplastics
Microplastics, defined as plastics less than five millimeters in diameter, are a particular cause for concern. They can come from larger plastic pieces that have broken apart or microbeads, small manufactured plastic beads used in health and beauty products. These microbeads, which have been banned in some countries, easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in oceans and waterways, where they are consumed by marine life.
The consumption of contaminated seafood poses potential risks to human health. Studies have shown that microplastics can have negative impacts on the feeding patterns, growth, and reproductive systems of aquatic species. Additionally, microplastics can carry chemical contaminants, such as manufactured chemicals released from plastic waste, which can disrupt endocrine signaling, reduce male fertility, damage the nervous system, and increase the risk of cancer.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the issue of microplastic pollution, with the increased use of face masks, which mainly contain polypropylene, and poor waste management practices contributing to the worsening pollution levels. Furthermore, nonpoint source pollution, such as runoff from roads, farms, and construction sites, and point source pollution, such as oil spills and chemical discharges, further compound the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans.
While the specific dangers to human and animal health are still being studied, the presence of microplastics in the ocean and the potential for harm is undeniable. Efforts to reduce plastic waste and improve waste management practices are crucial to mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans and the environment.
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Marine debris and derelict fishing gear
Marine debris is a persistent form of ocean pollution that reaches throughout the entire ocean and Great Lakes. Marine debris includes a wide variety of waste, from tiny microplastics (smaller than 5mm) to larger items such as derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels. Derelict fishing gear is a significant component of marine debris, defined as lost or discarded fishing gear that is no longer under the control of a fisher. This includes lines, nets, pots, traps, floats, and other equipment.
Derelict fishing gear poses a major problem for marine wildlife, their habitats, and the economy. Once lost or discarded, this gear can continue to trap and kill marine life, including fish, crustaceans, marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds. This is known as "ghost fishing". The gear can also damage sensitive seafloor habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, and interfere with navigation by entangling rudders and propellers. The gear can also compete with active fishing gear by trapping economically important species. The persistence of this problem is due to the durability of modern fishing gear, which is often made of long-lasting synthetic materials such as plastic and metal that can remain in the marine environment for many years.
The adverse impacts of derelict fishing gear have been observed in various locations. In Hawaii, derelict fishing gear has been identified as a significant issue for wildlife, even in remote parts of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the largest fully protected marine conservation area globally. This area is home to several endangered and vulnerable species, including the Hawaiian green sea turtle and the Hawaiian monk seal, which are threatened by the presence of this debris. The issue is not limited to Hawaii, as evidenced by the presence of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in the North Pacific Ocean, composed of two separate large patches of litter, primarily microplastics, near Japan and between Hawaii and California.
Efforts are being made to address the problem of derelict fishing gear. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Marine Debris Program has been working to remove marine debris from shorelines and has removed over 848 metric tons of derelict fishing gear from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument since 1996. Additionally, the Fishing for Energy partnership, a collaboration between NOAA and various organizations, aims to provide a free solution for fishers to dispose of old, derelict, or unusable fishing gear, recycling or converting it into energy. The United States has also joined the Global Ghost Gear Initiative, a leading international partnership addressing the problem of lost and discarded fishing gear.
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Human health and ecosystem impacts
Ocean pollution is a critical issue that poses a clear and present danger to human health and well-being. It arises from multiple sources and crosses national boundaries. The consequences of ocean pollution extend far beyond the environment, affecting human health and endangering marine ecosystems.
Human Health Impacts
The toxic chemicals that enter the ocean through pollution eventually make their way into the human food chain, particularly through the consumption of seafood. These toxic chemicals, such as oil, mercury, lead, pesticides, and other heavy metals, can contaminate water supplies and our food sources. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can lead to serious health issues, including hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, kidney and liver problems, and damage to the nervous system. The exact health impacts of ocean pollution are still being understood, but it is clear that they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in the Global South.
Ecosystem Impacts
Marine debris, such as plastic pollution, derelict fishing gear, and abandoned vessels, can harm or kill marine animals through ingestion or entanglement. It can also interfere with navigation safety and damage sensitive habitats. Chemical pollution, including pesticides and herbicides from agricultural runoff, can cause coral bleaching and death, disrupting the delicate balance of marine life. Eutrophication, or nutrient pollution, leads to algal blooms that deplete the dissolved oxygen in the water, creating "dead zones" where fish and other organisms struggle to survive. This impacts fisheries and tourism, with one of the largest dead zones occurring in the Gulf of Mexico due to nutrient pollution from the Mississippi River watershed.
Addressing Ocean Pollution
While ocean pollution is a significant challenge, it is not inevitable. Successes in pollution control in various countries demonstrate that it can be controlled and prevented. Addressing ocean pollution requires collective action, sustainable practices, and bold, evidence-based interventions from policymakers, leaders, civil society, and the global public.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to measure the exact amount of pollution in the ocean, but one study estimates that the world's oceans are polluted by 171 trillion plastic particles, weighing around 2.3 million tons. Another estimate puts the number at 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic.
Most ocean pollution 80%) originates on land and is caused by humans. This includes nonpoint source pollution, which comes from sources like septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and factories, and enters the ocean through runoff. Point source pollution, such as oil spills, is less common but has more significant impacts when it occurs. Atmospheric pollution, caused by littering, is another contributor to ocean pollution.
Ocean pollution poses serious threats to human health and well-being. Humans who eat seafood are consuming their own waste, including toxic microplastics, which have been found in human organs and tissues. These microplastics contain at least 4,219 chemicals that are associated with hazardous properties and can disrupt the endocrine systems of humans. Pollution is also responsible for an estimated nine million premature deaths per year.
Addressing ocean pollution requires a combination of interventions and policy changes. This includes improving waste management practices, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and implementing measures to control nonpoint source pollution, such as through the NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program.
