Human Activities And The Indian Ocean's Pollution

The Indian Ocean, the world's third-largest ocean, is under threat from numerous sources of pollution. The primary sources of marine pollution in the Indian Ocean are chemicals, oil spills, and plastic. The mismanagement of plastic waste is a significant concern for many of the countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, which have some of the highest population densities in the world. As a result, the Indian Ocean is thought to be the second-most polluted ocean in the world after the North Pacific, with an estimated 15 million tons of plastic entering it each year.

Oil spills

The MV Wakashio spill released a new type of low-sulfur fuel, and its long-term ecological effects are not yet well understood. Environment advocate Jaqueline Sauzier stated that the ecological effects of this new type of fuel are not well studied, and there is uncertainty about its potential impact on the environment. The spill affected an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot, leaving a 15-kilometre stretch of the coastline smeared with oil.

In addition to the MV Wakashio spill, there have been other oil spills in the Indian Ocean that have raised concerns. For instance, in 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico released over 4 million barrels of oil, impacting shorelines and leading to widespread shoreline loss along the coast of Louisiana. Oil spills in the Indian Ocean, whether from shipping accidents or other sources, pose significant risks to the region's rich marine life and sensitive ecosystems.

Plastic pollution

The Indian Ocean is the world's second-most polluted ocean after the North Pacific. It is estimated that up to 15,000,000 tons of plastic are released into the Indian Ocean each year, contaminating it with a trillion pieces of plastic. Half of the top ten countries that contribute the most to ocean plastic pollution are located along the Indian Ocean's rim: Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and Bangladesh. Two of the most polluting rivers, the Ganges and the Indus, empty into the Indian Ocean. The concentration, distribution, and impacts of plastics in the Indian Ocean are poorly understood, as the region is under-sampled compared to other oceans. However, it is evident that plastic pollution in the Indian Ocean is a serious issue that requires attention and action.

The sources of plastic pollution in the Indian Ocean are diverse and include rivers, stormwater, agricultural runoff, industrial and sewage effluents, shipping, fishing, and littering. The plastic industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in India, and the country is considered one of the major plastic polluters of the ocean. Rivers in India, both large and small, are predicted to be significant contributors to ocean plastic pollution. A recent ship accident released 78,000 tons of nurdles (plastic pellets) into the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka in May 2021.

The effects of plastic pollution on the Indian Ocean's ecosystem and the subsequent impact on human well-being, society, and the economy are not yet fully understood. However, it is clear that plastic pollution is endangering marine life, causing injury and death, and further devastating the oceans. Coral reefs, which are essential to the survival of marine life, are also impacted by plastic pollution. The survival and thriving of marine biodiversity rely on the maintenance of a symbiotic relationship between corals and algae, and plastic pollution can disrupt this delicate balance.

Efforts to address plastic pollution in the Indian Ocean are underway. The Plastic-free Rivers and Seas for South Asia project aims to build a circular economy for plastic to stop plastic waste from leaking into the environment. The Indian Ocean Rim Association is watching this project and may expand it across the Indian Ocean. Additionally, South Asian countries have developed isolated projects to manage the ocean's plastic waste. For example, fishermen in India's southern state of Kerala were paid to recycle the plastic waste caught in their nets, and the shredded plastic was sold to construction companies. Regional cooperation and coordination are crucial in tackling plastic pollution in the Indian Ocean.

Chemical pollution

The Indian Ocean is subject to an alarming level of marine pollution, which poses a severe threat to aquatic life and the food chain. Chemical pollution is a significant contributor to this, with artificial chemicals entering the ocean from a range of sources.

One major source of chemical pollution in the Indian Ocean is agriculture. Fertilizers are widely used and can be washed into nearby water bodies by rainwater, eventually making their way into the ocean. Pesticides and herbicides are also used in agriculture and can enter the ocean in the same way. These chemicals can cause a phenomenon called algal bloom. Excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from chemical pollutants cause an increase in phytoplankton, a type of photosynthesizing algae. This algae covers the water's surface, blocking sunlight from reaching the ocean floor and reducing oxygen levels in the water.

Another source of chemical pollution in the Indian Ocean is industry and households in the region, which commonly burn coal as an energy source. Coal contains mercury, which vaporizes and enters the atmosphere when burned, eventually landing in the ocean. The burning of fuels and wastes also releases soot and other materials into the atmosphere, which contribute to a dense, brown haze of pollution that extends from the ocean surface to altitudes of one to three kilometers. This haze, composed of small particles known as aerosols, reduces visibility and affects the climate by absorbing and reflecting solar radiation.

In addition to agricultural and industrial sources, household products can also contribute to chemical pollution in the Indian Ocean. Detergents, pharmaceuticals, beauty products, and sewage can all enter water bodies and contribute to pollution. Poor waste management and a lack of efficient waste disposal facilities in the region exacerbate the problem.

The Indian Ocean is particularly vulnerable to pollution due to the high population densities of some rim countries and the mismanagement of plastic waste. The Ganges and Indus rivers, which empty into the Indian Ocean, are among the most polluting rivers, contributing to the high levels of plastic pollution in the ocean.

Addressing chemical pollution in the Indian Ocean requires improved waste disposal facilities, frequent inspections in industries, and stringent measures against those violating environmental regulations. Regional governments need to cooperate and share waste disposal technologies to effectively tackle this issue.

River pollution

The problem of plastic pollution in the Indian Ocean is exacerbated by the fact that many of the countries bordering the ocean have a high plastic waste contribution. Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and Bangladesh are among the top countries contributing to ocean plastic pollution, and these countries are located along the Indian Ocean rim. The extensive use of single-use plastics, such as wrappers, shopping bags, and disposable plastic bottles, significantly contributes to this issue.

Another critical aspect of river pollution in the Indian Ocean is chemical pollution. Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, household products, detergents, pharmaceuticals, beauty products, and untreated sewage are significant sources of chemical pollutants that make their way into rivers and, ultimately, the ocean. The use of banned pesticides in agriculture and the discharge of industrial effluents containing heavy metals and chemicals further compound the problem. These pollutants have severe ecological and health impacts, including coral reef degradation, algal blooms, and increased health risks for people who rely on river water for drinking and other purposes.

Additionally, oil spills pose a significant threat to the Indian Ocean's marine life and ecosystems. The Indian Ocean is a hub for oil and gas exploration and transportation, increasing the risk of oil spills. In 2020, a Japanese vessel, MV Wakashio, ran aground on a coral reef off the coast of Mauritius, resulting in a devastating oil spill. This incident highlighted the deadly consequences of oil spills on aquatic life, marine birds, and local communities dependent on the ocean for tourism and fisheries.

Maritime accidents

The X-Press Pearl accident is not an isolated case; the number of maritime accidents has increased in the last decade, with reported incidents in the Hong Kong seas in 2012, South Africa in 2017, and the North Sea in 2020. These accidents contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the Indian Ocean, which is already struggling with plastic waste from land-based, ocean-based, and coastal sources.

The Indian Ocean, in particular, faces a significant amount of plastic pollution, with an estimated 15 million tons of plastic entering its waters each year. This pollution comes from various sources, including the mismanagement of plastic waste in the high-population-density countries along its rim. Some of the most plastic-polluted rivers, such as the Ganges and the Indus, empty into the Indian Ocean, contributing to the high volume of plastic debris it receives annually.

The impact of maritime accidents on the Indian Ocean ecosystem is devastating. Plastic pollution, in particular, has far-reaching consequences. Plastic waste kills over 100,000 marine species annually, affecting both coastal and deep-ocean areas. The lightweight and durable nature of plastics, combined with wind and oceanic currents, allows plastic waste to spread over vast areas. This pollution has severe repercussions for marine life, with microplastics being consumed by aquatic animals, leading to injury and death.

To address the issue of maritime accidents and pollution in the Indian Ocean, regional cooperation and improved waste management practices are essential. Initiatives such as the Plastic-free Rivers and Seas for South Asia project aim to create a circular economy for plastic and prevent plastic waste from entering the ocean. Additionally, the Indian Ocean Rim Association is exploring ways to manage plastic waste more effectively, and the World Bank is supporting South Asian countries in their efforts to prevent, collect, and upcycle plastic waste. By working together and implementing innovative solutions, we can strive to protect the rich marine biodiversity of the Indian Ocean and ensure the health and harmony of this vital ecosystem.

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