Bronte Wells
Marine pollution is a growing problem, with the ocean inundated by two main types of pollution: chemicals and trash. Eighty per cent of marine pollution comes from land sources, with nonpoint source pollution being one of the biggest contributors. This type of pollution occurs as a result of runoff from sources such as septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and boats. Point source pollution, which occurs less frequently, is caused by single sources like oil spills or chemical leaks. Plastic is the leading source of ocean pollution, with 14 million tons of plastic ending up in the ocean each year, making up 80% of all marine debris. Other pollutants include glass, metal, paper, and cigarette butts. Marine pollution has detrimental effects on the environment, the health of all organisms, and economic structures worldwide.
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Plastic pollution
Plastic is the leading source of ocean pollution. Marine plastic pollution is caused by plastic substances ranging from large original materials such as bottles and bags to microplastics formed from the fragmentation of plastic waste. It is estimated that 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean each year, with 80% of marine debris being plastic.
In addition, floating plastics in the ocean have been found to accumulate pollutants and transport them through ocean currents. Research shows that marine life that ingests plastics coated with pollutants can absorb these pollutants into their bodies. A 2008 study found that 35% of the fish caught during a Pacific Gyre voyage had ingested plastic pieces.
The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean comes from human activities along coastlines and far inland. Land-based sources include litter, trash, and debris from construction, ports, marinas, commercial and industrial facilities, and trash blown out of garbage containers, trucks, and landfills. Ocean-based sources, such as overboard discharges from ships and discarded fishing gear, account for about 20% of plastic pollution in the ocean.
To address the issue of plastic pollution in the ocean, solutions such as trapping plastic particles at river mouths before they enter the ocean and cleaning up ocean gyres have been proposed. Reducing the use of single-use plastics and disposable products is also crucial in mitigating plastic pollution.
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Chemical runoff
Marine pollution is a growing concern, with two primary types of pollution: chemicals and trash. This is largely the result of human activities, with 80% of marine pollution coming from land sources. Chemical contamination, also known as nutrient pollution, occurs when human activities, such as the use of fertilisers on farms, lead to the runoff of chemicals into waterways that eventually flow into the oceans. This runoff is known as nonpoint source pollution, which is the most common type of pollution, and it can come from a variety of sources, including septic tanks, vehicles, farms, and timber harvest areas.
Nonpoint source pollution can have detrimental effects on drinking water supplies, fisheries, and wildlife. One of the most significant issues with chemical runoff is the increase in nitrogen and phosphorus levels in coastal waters, which fuel the growth of algal blooms. These algal blooms can be toxic to marine life and harmful to humans. When nitrogen is dumped into the ocean in large quantities, it can cause explosive algae growth. As the algae decompose, they consume oxygen in the water, creating "dead zones" that result in mass die-offs of fish and other marine organisms.
Agricultural runoff is a significant contributor to nutrient pollution, as fertilisers used in agriculture contain high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. This type of pollution can also come from wastewater generated from lawns, as well as oil and other chemicals from roads, rivers, and drainpipes. NOAA scientists work to track down the exact causes of nonpoint source pollution and develop solutions to mitigate its harmful effects.
In addition to nonpoint source pollution, there is also point source pollution, which comes from a single source, such as an oil or chemical spill. While these events occur less frequently, they can have a significant impact on the environment. Discharge from faulty or damaged factories or water treatment systems is another example of point source pollution.
The effects of chemical runoff and nonpoint source pollution are wide-ranging and detrimental to the health of marine ecosystems and human communities alike. It is essential to address these issues through prevention, cleanup, and the development of effective pollution control plans.
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Nonpoint source pollution
Another example of nonpoint source pollution is nutrient pollution, which occurs when excess nutrients, usually nitrogen and phosphorus, enter bodies of water and act as fertilisers. These excess nutrients typically come from agricultural runoff or wastewater generated from lawns. The nutrients cause excessive algae growth, which blocks sunlight and oxygen from entering the water, leading to the creation of "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive.
Correcting the harmful effects of nonpoint source pollution can be costly, and various agencies are working to develop ways to control and limit it. This includes monitoring, assessing, and implementing specific nonpoint source pollution control plans for coastal states.
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Oil spills
Additionally, oil spills can have detrimental effects on plant life. Saltwater marshes and mangroves are two ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to oil spills. Oil spills can also impact tourism and commerce, as well as power plants and other utilities that rely on seawater. The fishing industry is one of the most affected by oil spills, often resulting in the immediate suspension of commercial fishing to prevent contamination.
The cleanup and recovery process following an oil spill can be challenging and costly. While there is no thoroughly satisfactory method for cleaning up major oil spills, advancements have been made in oil spill science. NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration, for example, provides science-based expertise to assist in emergency operations and help the ocean recover from oil pollution.
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Light pollution
One of the most affected species is the sea turtle. Artificial light from coastal cities impacts the success of their nesting sites. Adult female sea turtles struggle to find dark beaches suitable for laying their eggs, and the lights from cities disorient their hatchlings, luring them away from the ocean and towards their demise.
As coastal populations continue to grow, light pollution is likely to increase, posing an even greater threat to marine life. It is essential that we recognize the harmful effects of light pollution and take action to reduce our environmental impact, such as by adopting better lighting practices and creating Dark Sky Reserves near sensitive habitats.
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Frequently asked questions
The ocean is mainly polluted by human activities, such as runoff from farms, vehicles, septic tanks, and factories. Marine trash, such as plastic, cigarette butts, bottle caps, food wrappers, and fishing gear, is also a major contributor to ocean pollution.
Plastic is one of the most prevalent sources of ocean pollution. It accounts for 80% of all marine debris, with at least 14 million tons ending up in the ocean each year. Plastic items can take hundreds of years to decompose, and during that time, they can cause harm to marine life. Animals may mistake plastic for food, get tangled in it, or ingest microplastics, absorbing the chemicals into their tissues.
Nonpoint source pollution refers to pollution that comes from multiple small sources rather than a single, large source. It occurs when pollutants from sources like farms, vehicles, and septic tanks are carried by runoff into waterways and eventually the ocean. Nonpoint source pollution is a significant issue, accounting for 80% of marine environment pollution, and can make water unsafe for humans and wildlife.
Nutrient pollution occurs when excess nutrients, typically nitrogen and phosphorus, enter bodies of water and act as fertilisers. These nutrients cause excessive algae growth, which blocks sunlight and oxygen from reaching aquatic plants. As the plants decay, oxygen levels in the water drop further, creating "dead zones" that are uninhabitable for marine life.
In addition to plastic and nutrient pollution, the ocean is also affected by light pollution, noise pollution, chemical pollution, and oil pollution. Light pollution from coastal urban areas can disrupt the physiological behaviours of marine wildlife. Noise pollution from shipping and military activity can cause cellular damage to certain invertebrates. Chemical runoff and oil spills also contribute to ocean pollution, with oil spills accounting for 12% of the oil in our oceans.
