Bronte Wells
The ocean, which covers more than 70% of our planet, is being polluted by a combination of chemicals and trash, most of which comes from land sources. This includes carbon emissions, oil, noise, and plastic. Plastic pollution is the leading source of ocean pollution, with at least 14 million tons of plastic ending up in the ocean each year, making up 80% of all marine debris. Marine life is threatened by plastic bags, which they mistake for food, and become entangled in other plastic items such as fishing gear. Microplastics are ingested by small organisms, which are then eaten by larger animals, causing toxic chemicals to become part of their tissues and eventually entering the human food chain. Nutrient pollution, caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus, also creates dead zones where marine life cannot survive due to reduced oxygen levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main sources of pollution | Land-based sources (80%) including those far inland, via storm drains, sewers, and other routes |
| Types of pollution | Chemicals, trash, carbon emissions, plastic, leaking oil, noise, light, and nutrient pollution |
| Chemicals | Fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus, mercury |
| Trash | Plastic, cigarette butts, bottle caps, food wrappers, fishing gear, detergent bottles, crates, combs, buoys, lawn mowers, etc. |
| Nutrient pollution | Excess nutrients, usually nitrogen and phosphorus, enter bodies of water and act as fertilizers |
| Impact | Damage to the environment, to the health of all organisms, and to economic structures worldwide |
| Solutions | Prevention, cleanup, reduction in plastic use, use of organic fertilizers, use of reusable bottles and utensils |
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Plastic pollution
The primary source of ocean plastic pollution is land-based, with 80% of plastic in the ocean originating on land. This plastic pollution comes from littering, storm winds, and poor waste management practices, such as illegal dumping and the flushing of plastic items down toilets. Plastic waste is also carried into the ocean through waterways, as rainwater and wind can carry plastic waste into streams, rivers, and drains that eventually lead to the sea. Once in the ocean, plastic waste can float in large "patches" in ocean gyres or settle within deep-sea sediments, with some studies suggesting that four times as much plastic ends up in the sediments compared to surface waters.
The presence of plastic in the ocean has severe ecological, biological, and economic impacts. Ecologically, plastic waste can entangle marine life, such as fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds, leading to injuries, starvation, infection, and even death. Plastic debris can also be mistaken for food by marine organisms, leading to physical damage, blockages, and ingestion of toxic chemicals. These toxic chemicals can then migrate up the food chain, eventually becoming part of the human food chain as well.
Biologically, the ingestion of plastic by marine organisms can lead to physical damage and blockages in their digestive tracts. Additionally, the presence of plastic in the ocean can promote the growth of algal blooms, which can be toxic to marine life and harmful to humans.
Economically, marine plastic pollution can impact industries such as fishing and tourism. For example, more than one-third of shellfish-growing waters in the United States are adversely affected by coastal pollution, leading to economic losses for the industry. Additionally, the costs of correcting the harmful effects of plastic pollution can be significant, with millions of dollars spent annually on restoration and protection efforts.
Addressing marine plastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach. On an individual level, reducing plastic consumption, recycling, and proper waste disposal are crucial. Additionally, there is a growing movement of organizations, governments, and businesses working to combat plastic pollution through changes in manufacturing and packaging practices and a reduction in the use of single-use plastic products. While progress is being made, with more than sixty countries enacting regulations to limit or ban disposable plastic items, the problem of plastic pollution in the ocean remains a significant global challenge.
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Chemical pollution
Marine pollution is a combination of chemicals and trash, most of which comes from land sources and is washed or blown into the ocean. Eighty per cent of marine pollution comes from land. Chemical contamination, or nutrient pollution, is a pressing health, environmental, and economic concern.
Farming practices also contribute to chemical pollution in the ocean. Pesticides and herbicides are chemicals sprayed onto food crops to control insects and weeds. These substances are often toxic as they are designed to kill or repel animals and contain synthetic chemicals. When sprayed onto crops, these chemicals remain in the soil and can easily enter freshwater streams and rivers that flow into the sea. Once in the marine environment, these chemicals resist natural breakdown processes and persist, entering the food chain.
Additionally, medicines that humans and animals consume can contain harmful chemicals that make their way into the ocean through sewage systems and treatment plants. While these chemicals are tolerable in small doses for humans and animals, they can accumulate in aquatic environments and cause fertility issues in fish.
Furthermore, industrial activities can release waste products and chemicals into streams and rivers, which eventually reach the sea. These chemicals are used in numerous processes, from food production to manufacturing plastics, toys, and electronics. As pollutants build up in marine food chains, they can reach toxic levels, endangering marine life and humans who consume seafood.
Lastly, household cleaning, washing, and polishing products contain various chemicals that often end up in drains and water sources. These chemicals can be harmful to wildlife and marine environments, containing substances such as sodium hypochlorite, petroleum distillates, phenol, cresol, ammonia, and formaldehyde. While biodegradable cleaning products can help mitigate this issue, there are concerns about the combined effects of these chemicals on marine life and potential human health impacts.
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Noise pollution
Marine pollution is a combination of chemicals and trash, most of which comes from land-based sources. It has two main types: chemicals and trash, mainly plastic. Plastic pollution is particularly problematic as it is long-lasting, taking hundreds of years to decompose. Marine animals can get tangled in plastic debris, and small organisms may ingest microplastics, absorbing their toxic chemicals.
However, noise pollution is another significant form of marine pollution that has increased dramatically in recent decades. It is caused by ships, seismic surveys, explosions, construction, and sonar devices, which have turned the once peaceful ocean environment into a loud and chaotic place. This type of pollution is often overlooked, but it can have severe impacts on marine wildlife, as most marine species depend heavily on sound for their survival.
Underwater noise can also interfere with the key life functions of marine mammals, such as feeding and breeding, and drive them out of their natural habitats. For example, sonar has been shown to alter the feeding behaviour of endangered blue whales, causing them to stop feeding, swim away from the sound source, and increase their swimming speed. Dolphins have also been observed simplifying their vocal calls in response to increased ship noise, which may reduce the effectiveness of their communication.
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Light pollution
Artificial light can interfere with the natural light cues that marine organisms rely on for essential activities such as eating, mating, and camouflage. For example, baby clownfish raised under artificial lights had a significantly lower survival rate than those reared under natural light. Additionally, the study found that the surviving clownfish exposed to artificial light grew smaller.
Sea turtles are another species highly vulnerable to light pollution. Artificial light disrupts the nesting habits of female sea turtles, making it difficult for them to find suitably dark beaches for egg-laying. Moreover, the lights from coastal cities confuse hatchlings, luring them away from the ocean, where they often perish due to exhaustion or fall prey to predators.
The widespread adoption of LED lighting further exacerbates the problem. LEDs produce light with shorter wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the water. However, some potential solutions include using more red light, which doesn't penetrate as far, and erecting barriers to shield coastlines from artificial light. Addressing light pollution through improved lighting practices and the establishment of Dark Sky Reserves near coral reefs is crucial for preserving the health and biodiversity of marine habitats.
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Oil pollution
Oil spills can harm and kill a variety of sea creatures, including birds, sea mammals, fish, algae, and coral. Oil-tainted fish become unsafe for human consumption, leading to significant economic losses for the fishing industry. Additionally, oil can damage fishing equipment and boats, and clean-up operations can disrupt fishing routes and access to ports, further impacting the industry.
The clean-up of oil spills is challenging and costly. Methods such as booms, skimmers, controlled burning, and chemical dispersants are used to contain and remove oil. However, these methods have limitations and may cause additional harm. For example, high-pressure hoses used after the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989 caused more damage than the oil itself. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 holds those responsible for spills accountable for the costs of clean-up and restoration.
While there has been a reduction in the number of spills from oil tankers, the overall volume of seaborne oil trade is increasing. Innovations such as double hulls, GPS, and sectioning of vessels have helped reduce spill incidents. However, the impact of oil pollution remains a significant concern, and ongoing efforts are needed to address and mitigate its effects on the marine environment and human activities.
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Frequently asked questions
The ocean is polluted by a variety of sources, but plastic is the leading source. Plastic waste accounts for 80% of marine debris, with single-use plastic bags, water bottles, drinking straws, and yogurt containers being common items found in the ocean. Other sources of ocean pollution include oil from boats, airplanes, cars, and factories, as well as agricultural runoff and wastewater.
Plastic pollution has a detrimental impact on marine life and ecosystems. Marine animals, such as fish, whales, turtles, and seabirds, can become entangled in plastic debris or mistake it for food. Microplastics, which are tiny pieces of broken-down plastic, are ingested by small organisms and can make their way up the food chain, eventually reaching humans. Plastic pollution also contributes to the creation of ""dead zones" where marine life cannot survive due to reduced oxygen levels caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the water.
In addition to plastic pollution, the ocean is affected by chemical pollution, noise pollution, and light pollution. Chemical pollution, such as nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff, can lead to toxic algal blooms and aquatic dead zones. Noise pollution from human activities can harm or even kill marine species that rely on sound for communication and navigation. Light pollution disrupts the physiological behaviors of marine wildlife, impacting their migration, reproduction, and feeding patterns.
