Meghan Hodges
Marine pollution is a pressing issue that poses serious threats to human health and well-being, as well as the health of marine ecosystems. The ocean, which covers 70% of the Earth's surface, has long been viewed as a vast body of water capable of diluting and dispersing pollutants. However, the increasing creation and use of novel chemicals and long-lasting products, such as plastics, are creating a significant challenge. While the ocean does have the capacity to dilute and disperse some pollutants, it is essential to recognize that this process is not infinite, and the continuous influx of pollutants is leading to widespread and worsening marine pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sources of ocean pollutants | Human activities along coastlines and far inland, nonpoint source pollution (runoff from septic tanks, vehicles, farms, etc.), point source pollution (oil or chemical spills, discharge from faulty factories or water treatment systems), littering, storm winds, poor waste management, fossil fuels, light pollution, etc. |
| Types of pollutants | Chemicals, trash, plastic, toxic metals, petroleum, urban and industrial waste, pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceutical chemicals, sewage, etc. |
| Effects of pollutants | Damage to the environment, health of organisms, and economic structures; increased concentration of chemicals promotes growth of toxic algal blooms; reduced photosynthesis in marine microorganisms; ocean acidification; destruction of coral reefs; impaired shellfish development; increased toxicity of some pollutants; entanglement, injury, and ingestion of plastic by marine life; bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pollutants in the food chain; disruption of physiological behaviors in marine wildlife due to light pollution |
| Solutions | Prevention and cleanup, reducing usage of toxic pollutants, changing society's approach to plastic use, regulations to limit or ban disposable plastic items, proper waste disposal, switching to clean energy |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste
Another way plastic ends up in the ocean is through our daily use of plastic products. Many plastic items are single-use and designed to be thrown out, such as water bottles, takeout containers, and wet wipes. When these items are not properly disposed of, they can end up in waterways and oceans. Microfibres from washing clothes and microbeads from cosmetic and cleaning products can also contribute to plastic pollution in oceans.
Once in the ocean, plastic debris has severe impacts on marine life and ecosystems. Plastic does not fully biodegrade and can persist indefinitely, releasing toxic chemicals. Marine animals mistake plastic waste for food, leading to ingestion and intestinal injuries, or become entangled in plastic debris, resulting in injury and mortality. Plastic pollution also affects the food chain, with plastic ending up in seafood consumed by humans.
Efforts to combat ocean plastic pollution include cleanup initiatives, such as The Ocean Cleanup, which focuses on identifying sources of mismanaged waste leakage and optimizing solutions. Additionally, organizations like Sky Ocean Rescue and the Center for Biological Diversity are advocating for regulating plastics as hazardous pollutants under the Clean Water Act. Reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic products, as well as supporting improved waste management infrastructures, are crucial steps in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.
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Oil spills
The impact of oil spills on marine life is devastating. Oil penetrates the plumage of birds and the fur of mammals, reducing their insulating ability and making them more vulnerable to temperature changes and less buoyant in the water. It also harms invertebrates, fish, sea mammals, algae, and coral. Oil spills can cause the death or injury of these organisms through poisoning or suffocation. The Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010, for example, affected keystone species like the Arctic cod and juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtle. Research has also shown that oil spills can have intergenerational effects on the immune systems of bottlenose dolphins, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Cleanup and recovery from oil spills are challenging and expensive. Physical cleanups involve methods such as deploying floating booms to contain the oil, using skimmers to remove oil from the water surface, and manually scooping and soaking up oil. In situ burning or controlled burning of surface oil can be effective in reducing the amount of oil, but it must be done properly to avoid causing air pollution. Chemical remediation is the current norm, using dispersants to break up oil slicks and facilitate the burning process. However, dispersants have been shown to increase toxic hydrocarbon levels in fish.
While nature can help disperse oil over time through wind, waves, evaporation, and the action of naturally occurring microbes, this process is slow and unreliable. Oil spills can have long-term impacts on marine populations and ecosystems, and even with restoration efforts, full recovery can take decades. The environmental and economic consequences of oil spills are significant, often resulting in the closure of fishing zones and affecting industries and communities that depend on fishing activities.
To address the issue of oil spills, better control measures, and improved management and maintenance of oil operations are necessary. Additionally, there is a need to transition to a low-carbon economy and promote initiatives for a nature-positive and net-zero future.
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Chemical fertilisers
Marine pollution is a pressing issue, with the ocean inundated by a combination of chemicals and trash, the majority of which comes from human activities along coastlines and far inland. Chemical fertilisers are a significant contributor to marine pollution, with agriculture being a primary source of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.
The use of chemical fertilisers has increased substantially since the mid-20th century, with a nearly threefold increase in the application of nitrogen fertiliser alone between 1970 and 2005. This has resulted in a significant rise in nitrogen discharges from rivers into the sea, with agriculture being a larger contributor to this pollution than sewage.
The excess nutrients from chemical fertilisers can lead to eutrophication of water bodies, causing an increase in algal blooms. These blooms can be toxic to marine life and harmful to humans, as they deplete oxygen levels in the water and produce toxins. Eutrophication has been observed in various regions worldwide, including the German Bight, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.
The impact of chemical fertilisers on marine ecosystems is not limited to eutrophication and algal blooms. The nutrients from these fertilisers can also contaminate marine organisms and accumulate in their tissues. This contamination can then migrate up the food chain, eventually reaching humans who consume seafood.
To address the issue of chemical fertiliser pollution, collaboration between farmers, governments, and various organisations is vital. Implementing improved fertilising techniques, such as precision farming, and adopting more sustainable agricultural practices can help reduce nutrient runoff and mitigate the harmful effects of chemical fertilisers on marine ecosystems.
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Light pollution
A study by researchers from the University of Plymouth in England found that a large quantity of artificial light reaches the ocean floor, with green light wavelengths exposing up to 76% of the seafloor to light pollution and blue light wavelengths exposing up to 70%. This artificial light at night is known to disturb ecosystems on land and affect human health, and its impact on marine ecosystems is equally concerning.
One example of the harmful effects of light pollution on marine life is the impact on sea turtles. Artificial light disrupts their nesting behavior, as females seeking dark spots to lay their eggs may avoid lighted areas and fail to come ashore. Additionally, hatchlings that head towards inland lights instead of moonlight on the water can die of dehydration or starvation.
The widespread use of LED lighting exacerbates the problem, as LEDs produce light with shorter wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the water. However, local, state, and regional "Lights Out" campaigns aimed at darkening skies to help migrating birds can also benefit marine systems near coastal cities.
To address light pollution, individuals can play a role by researching and using the least harmful light bulbs in their homes and communities. Additionally, the work of researchers like Thomas Davies from the University of Plymouth and his colleagues, who are measuring artificial light above and below the water's surface, is crucial in understanding the extent and impact of light pollution on coastal marine ecosystems.
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Nonpoint source pollution
Ocean pollution is a combination of chemicals and trash, with over 80% of it arising from land-based sources. It is the largest environmental cause of disease in the world, causing approximately nine million premature deaths per year. One of the biggest sources of ocean pollution is nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff from human activities along coastlines and far inland. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt carrying natural and anthropogenic pollutants to bodies of water. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away pollutants, which are then deposited into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and groundwater.
NPS pollution comes from many diffuse sources, including farms, ranches, timber harvest areas, septic tanks, vehicles, and factories. Activities on working farms and ranches can affect water quality, both locally and across multi-state watersheds. For example, the use of chemical fertilizers on farms can lead to the runoff of chemicals into waterways that eventually flow into the ocean, promoting the growth of harmful algal blooms that are toxic to wildlife and humans. Forestry activities such as timber harvesting and road construction can also impact water quality.
Urbanization increases the variety and amount of pollutants carried into the water. Coastal waterways may become contaminated with pollutants generated from activities at marinas, such as boat cleaning, fueling operations, and marine head discharge. Sediment from farm fields, construction sites, and streambanks can cause water to become cloudy, making it difficult for aquatic organisms to feed and reducing sunlight penetration, which affects plant growth. Sediment can also carry other pollutants such as metals and toxic chemicals, further degrading water quality.
The effects of NPS pollutants on specific bodies of water can vary and may not always be fully assessed. However, it is known that these pollutants have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife. States have reported that NPS pollution is the leading remaining cause of water quality problems. To address these issues, federal programs such as the Nonpoint Source Management Program have been implemented, and efforts are being made to involve the public in controlling and preventing NPS pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
The ocean's main sources of pollution are human activities along coastlines and far inland. The most common sources of pollution are nonpoint source pollution, which includes runoff from septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and timber harvest areas, and point source pollution, which includes oil and chemical spills.
The ocean is polluted by a combination of chemicals and trash, with plastic being the leading source of pollution. Other pollutants include toxic metals, crude oil, marine debris, light pollution, and agricultural runoff.
Plastic is a major contributor to ocean pollution due to its durability and lightweight nature. It is often improperly disposed of, ending up in oceans and affecting marine life. Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to entanglement, ingestion, and the release of microplastics.
Ocean pollution has severe impacts on human health and the environment. It causes approximately nine million premature deaths annually and leads to economic losses and ecosystem degradation. Marine life, such as sharks and rays, is highly susceptible to pollution, which can bioaccumulate and biomagnify, ultimately affecting human food sources.
To reduce and prevent ocean pollution, it is essential to minimize the use of toxic pollutants and properly dispose of waste. Many countries have enacted regulations to limit or ban disposable plastic items. Additionally, individuals can contribute by gathering and properly disposing of trash to prevent it from reaching oceans.
