Kiera Jefferson
Human activities on land are the biggest sources of coastal pollution. Over 80% of marine pollution originates from land-based sources, including industrial, agricultural, and urban activities. Plastic pollution is a significant issue, with an estimated 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste entering the world's oceans each year. This includes solid waste dumped along coastlines, litter on beaches, and broken-down ships. Other sources of coastal pollution include oil spills, chemical discharges, shipping activities, and sewage disposal. The accumulation of pollutants in coastal areas has severe environmental, economic, and health impacts, affecting marine life, coastal communities, and human health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sources of coastal pollution | Human activities on land, maritime transportation, oil spills, sewage disposal, nonpoint source pollution, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, microplastics, heavy metals, solid waste, plastic waste, shipping activities, illegal dumping, discarded fishing gear, and agricultural activities |
| Organizations working to combat coastal pollution | UNEP, NOAA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture |
| Impact of coastal pollution | Economic losses, serious impact on marine water quality and wildlife, health risks for humans and wildlife, destruction of habitats, reduced productivity of coastal wetlands, increased expenditures for coastal communities |
| Ways to combat coastal pollution | Develop ways to control nonpoint source pollution, monitor and assess pollution levels, improve waste management, reduce fertilizer use, raise awareness about plastic pollution |
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What You'll Learn
Human activities on land
The top 20 polluting rivers, 15 of which are in Asia, account for 67% of the global total of river-carried plastic waste, while the top 122 polluting rivers contribute over 90%. Rivers also carry other pollutants into the oceans, with the Arno River, for example, transporting Al, Fe, Hg, and other elements at high concentrations towards the sea.
Another significant source of coastal pollution is the discharge of pollutants from industrial production, domestic sewage, and aquaculture activities. Sewage disposal is a major form of coastal pollution worldwide, and wastewater treatment plants often discharge partially treated effluent into rivers, worsening water quality and increasing the nutrient concentration of marine water.
Agricultural activities are also a primary source of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, with the run-off of excess nutrients from animal manure and chemical fertilisers. On average, around 20% of nitrogen fertiliser is lost through surface run-off or leaching into groundwater, and up to 60% can vaporise into the atmosphere, later falling into the ocean. There has been a tenfold increase in global fertiliser use since the mid-20th century, and nitrogen discharges from rivers into the sea rose by 43% between 1970 and 2000.
Oil spills and the release of chemicals used in oil exploitation, such as lubricants, constitute another important source of coastal pollution. Oil theft and local refining processes contribute to chronic pollution, and gas flaring has been an issue in Nigeria for decades.
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Plastic pollution
The primary sources of plastic pollution in coastal areas are land-based and sea-based. On land, solid waste dumped along coastlines, scattered litter on beaches, and broken-down ship pieces are washed into the sea by floods and storms. Once in the ocean, plastic waste is carried by currents and can remain in coastal waters or spread globally.
Sea-based sources include discarded fishing gear, shipping activities, and legal and illegal dumping. The shipping industry is impacted by higher costs due to fouled propellers and damaged engines, while the fishing industry faces reduced and contaminated catches.
The continuous increase in plastic production exacerbates the problem. The throw-away culture associated with single-use plastics, accounting for 40% of annual plastic production, has led to an overwhelming rise in plastic waste. Improper waste management, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries, further contributes to the issue.
Microplastics, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic pieces, have been found in every corner of the globe, from Mount Everest to the Mariana Trench. These tiny particles are ingested by marine organisms, leading to entanglement, toxicological effects, and disruptions to trophic relationships. Microplastics have also been detected in municipal drinking water systems and the human body, with potential health risks under urgent scientific investigation.
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Oil spills
Additionally, oil spills present a significant risk to human health. The chemicals released during an oil spill can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, leading to respiratory issues, reproductive problems, liver damage, and immune system dysfunction. The burning of surface oil further exacerbates air pollution, releasing soot particles and toxic pollutants such as nitric oxides and ozone. These pollutants can have adverse effects on the respiratory system and overall human health, as seen in the increased respiratory distress among those exposed to the Kuwaiti oil fires.
The economic impacts of oil spills on coastal communities are also significant. Oil spills often result in the closure of beaches, parks, and fisheries, disrupting tourism and recreational activities. They also contaminate seafood, making it unsafe for human consumption and impacting the fishing industry. The cleanup and recovery process is costly, and the shipping industry incurs additional expenses due to fouled propellers, damaged engines, and waste management in harbours.
To address the challenges posed by oil spills, organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) play a crucial role. NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration provides scientific expertise to support the U.S. Coast Guard's response to oil spills in U.S. waters. They develop solutions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of oil and other pollutants on coastal environments. Additionally, NOAA utilizes satellite technology to monitor and patrol oceans for pollution, aiding in the detection and management of oil spills.
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Sewage disposal
There are various ways sewage enters the ocean. In areas without adequate sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities, sewage can easily flow into the sea. Even in areas with treatment facilities, sewage can still enter the ocean due to ageing infrastructure, facility malfunctions, and heavy rains that overwhelm systems, leading to combined sewer overflows. Sewage can also be discharged directly from sewage treatment plants via outfalls, treated or untreated, as seen in many wastewater treatment plants in coastal regions of the United States.
The impacts of sewage pollution on coastal ecosystems have received relatively less attention compared to other forms of pollution, such as agricultural runoff and oil spills. This may be because sewage is often invisible in the water, and it can be challenging to detect without proper testing equipment. However, sewage contains high levels of human pathogens and nitrogen, which can fuel harmful algal blooms and create oxygen-deprived dead zones. Researchers have developed methods to identify the sources of nitrogen and pathogens in sewage and their treatment methods to inform international collaborations and policy decisions for contaminated areas.
To address sewage disposal and reduce coastal pollution, there are several treatment methods available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Wastewater treatment facilities effectively filter pathogens but are less efficient at removing nitrogen and are costly to build and maintain. Septic systems are more affordable and capable of capturing most nitrogen, but they struggle to prevent pathogens from entering the environment. Identifying the specific problems associated with sewage in different areas can help policymakers choose the most effective treatment strategies. Additionally, initiatives like UNEP's Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities provide guidance to national and regional authorities on preventing, reducing, controlling, and eliminating marine degradation from land-based activities, including sewage pollution.
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Industrial production
Oil and gas production, a specific type of industrial activity, has a profound impact on coastal pollution. Oil spills, waste dumping, and gas flaring are common issues associated with the oil industry, as evidenced in the Niger Delta, Nigeria's coastal pollution hotspot. The entire oil production chain has been linked to oil spillage, from nearshore operations to accidental spills during loading.
In addition to oil and gas production, other industrial activities contribute to coastal pollution. For instance, ironworks and shipyards have been shown to negatively impact the marine environment, with shipyards causing more significant harm. Furthermore, the construction of coastal industrial zones has led to an increase in organic material influx, resulting in severe organic pollution.
The release of pollutants from industrial production has far-reaching consequences. It leads to the destruction of habitats and reduced productivity of coastal wetlands. It also causes economic losses, with coastal communities bearing the burden of increased expenditures on beach cleaning, public health, and waste disposal.
The impact of industrial production on coastal pollution is evident, and addressing this issue is crucial. While quantitative estimates of the contribution of each human activity to overall pollution are challenging due to data limitations and complex biogeochemical cycles, it is clear that industrial activities play a significant role in degrading coastal ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
Human activities on land are the biggest sources of marine pollution.
Some examples include industrial production, domestic sewage, and aquaculture activities. More specifically, sources of pollution include crude oil and other petroleum products, antifoulants, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
Coastal pollution can lead to the destruction of habitats and reduced productivity of coastal wetlands. It can also cause serious economic losses, with coastal communities facing increased costs for beach cleaning, public health, and waste disposal.
Various organizations and governments are working to address coastal pollution. For example, UNEP's Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities has been active since 1995, providing guidance to national and regional authorities on preventing and reducing marine degradation from land-based activities. NOAA is also working to study the impacts of microplastics and other contaminants in seafood and provide safety information to the public.
Individuals can reduce their use of single-use plastics, properly dispose of waste, and support organizations working to protect and restore coastal ecosystems. Education is also important, and there are various resources available to learn more about plastic pollution and its impacts, such as the NOAA Marine Debris Toolkit for Educators.
