Bronte Wells
Marine pollution is the presence of harmful substances in marine ecosystems, caused by human activity. These pollutants can include industrial, agricultural, and residential waste, excess carbon dioxide, plastic, nutrients from fertilizers, and toxic chemicals. Marine pollution has severe environmental, ecological, and economic impacts, damaging marine life, human health, and global economic structures. The classification of marine pollutants is essential for implementing regulations and safety measures during their transportation and disposal. The criteria for classifying marine pollutants vary internationally, with specific guidelines provided by organizations like the PHMSA/USDOT and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These classifications help identify and manage the risks associated with these hazardous materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Materials that contain an elevated concentration of one or more of the chemicals listed in 49 CFR 172.101, Appendix B. |
| Marine Pollutant Threshold | 10% concentration of Appendix B chemicals. |
| Severe Marine Pollutants | Designated by the letters "PP" in Appendix B and are regulated at a 1% concentration. |
| International Maritime Organization Criteria | A substance is a marine pollutant if it is toxic to the aquatic environment when evaluated by the test methods given in Chapter 2.9.3 of the IMDG Code. |
| Identification | Known and suspected marine pollutants are indicated by the symbol "P" in Column 4 of the Dangerous Goods List in Chapter 3.2 of the IMDG Code or in the MP column of the Code Index. |
| Shipping Requirements | The presence of a marine pollutant must be communicated on shipping papers and packaging. |
| Packaging Markings | The "Marine Pollutant" mark must be placed on packages containing marine pollutants, with specific size, colour, and placement requirements. |
| Transportation Markings | Transport vehicles or freight containers carrying bulk packaging of marine pollutants must display the "Marine Pollutant" mark on each side and end, with specific size and colour requirements. |
| Types of Marine Pollution | Marine debris, plastic pollution (including microplastics), ocean acidification, nutrient pollution, toxins, underwater noise, industrial waste, agricultural waste, residential waste, excess carbon dioxide, invasive organisms, oil spills, and more. |
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What You'll Learn
Marine pollutants are substances that are toxic to aquatic life
Marine pollution occurs when substances used or spread by humans, such as industrial, agricultural, and residential waste, particles, excess carbon dioxide, or invasive organisms enter the ocean and cause harmful effects. Marine pollutants are substances that are toxic to aquatic life. They are materials that contain elevated concentrations of chemicals and are listed in the IMDG Code Index or meet the criteria for classification as "Environmentally Hazardous Substances (aquatic environment)".
The US DOT defines marine pollutants as materials with elevated concentrations of chemicals listed in 49 CFR 172.101, Appendix B. The threshold for most materials is a 10% concentration, while "severe marine pollutants" are regulated at 1%. International authorities use different criteria, as codified by the International Maritime Organization's Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code). This code identifies known and suspected marine pollutants with the symbol "P" in the Dangerous Goods List or the MP column of the Code Index.
When a substance's effect on the aquatic environment is unknown, or when a mixture contains a designated marine pollutant, the IMDG 2.9.3 evaluation is used. Marine pollutants are shipped similarly to other hazardous materials, with additional marking and packaging requirements. These regulations ensure compliance with international rules for shipping hazardous materials by vessel.
Some common marine pollutants include plastic pollution, nutrient runoff from agriculture, sewage discharge, oil spills, and invasive species. These pollutants have harmful effects on marine life, the environment, and human health. Plastic pollution, for example, can be harmful to marine life and challenging to clean up, while nutrient runoff can lead to harmful algal blooms. Oil spills can have toxic effects, and invasive species can interfere with the natural development of coral and other marine organisms.
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Marine debris and plastic pollution
Marine debris is defined as "any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment or Great Lakes." This includes man-made items such as fishing gear, plastic bags, beverage bottles, balloons, food wrappers, and even vessels. Marine debris can enter the ocean through dumping, improper waste management, litter blown or washed out to sea, and extreme natural events. It is estimated that 80% of marine debris comes from land-based sources, with the remaining 20% from ocean-based sources such as overboard discharges from ships.
Plastic pollution is a significant subset of marine debris, with plastics making up 80% of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. Plastics are particularly harmful because they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, accumulating pollutants on their surfaces and transporting them through ocean currents. They are often ingested by marine species, leading to internal injury, intestinal blockage, starvation, and death. Plastic pollution also disrupts food chains and can impact human health through the consumption of contaminated seafood.
Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles, are another form of plastic pollution that is pervasive in marine environments. They can come from larger plastics that break down over time or be directly released into the environment through activities such as industrial processes and the washing of synthetic fabrics. Microplastics can be ingested by marine organisms, including those that are part of the human food chain.
Addressing marine debris and plastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes improved waste management, plastic reduction strategies, and enhanced international cooperation. Individuals can play a role by reducing their plastic consumption, properly disposing of waste, and supporting policies and initiatives aimed at combating plastic pollution.
The impacts of marine debris and plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems are well-documented. It has affected at least 267 species worldwide, including sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. For example, autopsies of a California grey whale that washed up dead revealed that its stomach contained plastic bags, duct tape, and other debris. Seabirds are particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution, with high percentages of plastic found in their stomachs.
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Industrial, agricultural, and residential waste
Marine pollution occurs when human-generated substances, such as industrial, agricultural, and residential waste, enter the ocean and cause harmful effects. The majority of this waste (80%) comes from land-based activities, although marine transportation also significantly contributes.
Industrial Waste
Industrial wastewater, a mixture of toxic chemicals, is directly discharged into oceans and rivers, causing oxygen depletion in the water and stressing or suffocating aquatic life. Heavy metals from industries and mining sites, such as Pb, Cd, Zn, Co, Ni, Hg, and As, persist in freshwater environments and accumulate in the tissues of fish and shellfish. Oil spills from tankers, pipelines, and sewers are another form of industrial pollution, with disastrous consequences for marine life. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in crude oil are extremely challenging to clean up and can remain in the marine environment for years.
Agricultural Waste
Agricultural runoff is a significant contributor to marine pollution. Chemicals used as fertilizers in agriculture, such as nitrates and phosphates, contaminate rivers and oceans, leading to nutrient pollution. This excess of nutrients stimulates algae blooms and creates dead zones through oxygen depletion. Pesticides and herbicides used on agricultural lands can also enter water bodies, affecting soil species and becoming absorbed into marine food webs, causing mutations and diseases harmful to humans and other organisms.
Residential Waste
Residential waste, also known as marine debris or marine litter, is human-created solid material deliberately or accidentally released into the ocean. The increasing use of plastic contributes significantly to this type of pollution, as many types of plastics do not biodegrade quickly. Discarded fishing nets, bottles, bags, and microplastics pose a serious threat to marine life, including fish, seabirds, marine reptiles, and mammals, as well as boats and coasts.
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Hazardous materials regulations and transportation
Marine pollutants are substances, materials, or articles that are listed in the IMDG Code Index or meet the criteria for classification as "Environmentally Hazardous Substance (aquatic environment).". The transportation of such hazardous materials is strictly regulated to prevent environmental disasters and protect public health and safety.
The transportation of hazardous materials, including marine pollutants, is governed by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (HMTA) and regulated by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is responsible for drafting the hazardous materials regulations outlined in 49 CFR Parts 100-180. These regulations define hazardous materials as substances or materials that pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported and include hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, marine pollutants, elevated temperature materials, and materials designated in the Hazardous Materials Table.
To comply with federal hazardous materials regulations, carriers must immediately report any incidents involving hazardous materials during transportation, loading, unloading, or temporary storage. This includes fires, breakage, spillage, or suspected contamination or releases exceeding specified quantities.
When shipping marine pollutants, the presence of these hazardous materials must be indicated on shipping papers and packaging. The specific markings and labels depend on whether the material is in bulk packaging or non-bulk packaging and the quantity of the material. For example, the "MARINE POLLUTANT" mark, which consists of a fish and tree symbol, is required on bulk packaging and transport vehicles or freight containers carrying bulk packaging. This mark must be displayed on at least two opposing sides or ends of the packaging and each side and end of the transport vehicle or freight container, ensuring visibility.
Additionally, the proper shipping name or technical name of the marine pollutant must be used, and if the material contains multiple components that contribute to its hazardous nature, at least two of the most predominant components must be listed. These regulations apply to various modes of transportation, including motor vehicles, rail cars, aircraft, and vessels, with specific exemptions for non-bulk packagings and certain quantity thresholds.
In summary, the transportation of marine pollutants is strictly regulated to ensure safe handling and mitigate potential risks to the environment and public health. Carriers and shippers must adhere to specific marking, labelling, and documentation requirements to comply with hazardous materials regulations and facilitate the proper transport of these hazardous substances.
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Regional efforts to combat marine pollution
Marine pollution is a pressing issue that poses a grave threat to the health of the world's oceans. It can take on many forms, including plastic pollution, agricultural runoff, industrial and municipal waste, marine litter, and oil spills, each with significant implications for marine biodiversity, human health, and economic activities.
Regional Seas Programme (RSP) by UNEP
The Regional Seas Programme (RSP) by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a flagship programme that has been working towards protecting the marine and coastal environment since 1974. It operates through Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSCAPs), bringing together multiple stakeholders, including governments, scientific communities, civil societies, indigenous peoples, local communities, and youth. The programme covers 18 regions, most of which have adopted regional action plans with legal frameworks. RSP addresses pollution from both land-based and marine sources, including plastic pollution, agricultural runoff, industrial waste, ocean dumping, and oil spills. It integrates science, policy, and partnerships to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable development.
Global Programme of Action (GPA) for the Protection of the Marine Environment
The Global Programme of Action (GPA) is a UNEP initiative that guides the organization's work in fostering international partnerships and sharing best practices to protect the marine environment from land-based activities. It promotes the adoption of new technologies to monitor and reduce pollution across all regions.
South Asian Seas Programme (SASP)
The South Asian Seas Programme (SASP) has developed a Regional Marine Litter Action Plan, which was adopted in November 2019. The plan includes the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project, funded by the World Bank. PLEASE covers eight countries and promotes circular economy solutions, strengthens policy frameworks, and enhances regional collaboration to combat plastic pollution in South Asian rivers and seas.
US Initiatives
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is actively involved in global initiatives to address marine pollution. The US is a member of the voluntary Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) and the Basel Plastic Waste Partnership (PWP). EPA has developed an International Marine Litter Toolbox to guide countries in tackling marine litter and improving solid waste management. Additionally, the US is a party to the Protocol Concerning Pollution from Land-Based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol), which addresses land-based sources of pollution in the Wider Caribbean Region, including domestic sewage and agricultural non-point source pollution.
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