Kiera Jefferson
Ocean pollution is a pressing environmental issue that poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of our planet. Oceans cover 70% of the Earth's surface and are crucial for the health of our ecosystems, including humans. The leading source of ocean pollution is plastic, which enters the ocean from thousands of sources worldwide every day. Most of the plastic in our oceans originates on land, with rivers being the primary pathway. The largest contributors to river plastic pollution are in Asia, with the Pasig River in the Philippines alone accounting for 6.4% of global river plastics. Other major sources of ocean plastic pollution include fishing gear and abandoned vessels. Aside from plastic, ocean pollution also includes chemical contamination, nutrient pollution, and light pollution, all of which have detrimental effects on marine life and ecosystems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in oceans comes from | Land-based sources (70-80%) and marine sources (20-30%) |
| Land-based plastic sources | Rivers, coastlines |
| Rivers contributing most to ocean plastic pollution | Yangtze, Xi, and Huangpu (China); Ganges (India); Cross (Nigeria); Amazon (Brazil); Pasig (Philippines) |
| Factors contributing to river plastic pollution | Poor waste management practices, cities nearby, high precipitation rates, proximity to the coast |
| Plastic products making up ocean pollutants | Plastic bags, plastic bottles, food containers and cutlery, wrappers, synthetic rope, fishing items |
| Other major ocean pollutants | Dirt, silt, oil spills, toxic waste, light pollution, nutrient pollution |
| Marine debris accumulation hotspots | Kanapou Bay, on the Island of Kaho’olawe in Hawaii; Great Pacific Garbage Patch, North Pacific Ocean |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution from land-based sources
Marine debris, including plastic pollution, poses a significant threat to the health of our oceans and the wildlife that inhabits them. Plastic pollution from land-based sources is a predominant form of ocean pollution. By weight, 70% to 80% of plastic in the ocean originates from land-based sources and is transported to the sea via rivers or coastlines.
There are several factors that contribute to the prevalence of plastic pollution from land-based sources. Firstly, poor waste management practices in areas with large populations and high precipitation rates increase the likelihood of plastic entering rivers and, subsequently, the ocean. Cities with nearby rivers, such as Jakarta in Indonesia and Manila in the Philippines, are significant contributors to plastic emissions, despite being drained by relatively small rivers.
Secondly, the size of the river basin does not solely determine the amount of plastic pollution it emits. Smaller rivers can play a more significant role than previously thought, particularly when they are located near populated areas and the coast. The Pasig River in the Philippines, for example, accounts for 6.4% of global river plastics.
Thirdly, the proximity of populations to rivers and the ocean, as well as the slope of the terrain and types of land use, influence the probability of plastic entering and reaching the ocean. Rivers in Asia, East Africa, and the Caribbean are among the top contributors to global river plastics.
Lastly, nonpoint source pollution, which includes runoff from septic tanks, vehicles, farms, livestock ranches, and timber harvest areas, can also lead to plastic pollution in the ocean. This type of pollution can make river and ocean water unsafe for humans and wildlife, leading to beach closures and adverse effects on shellfish-growing waters.
Addressing plastic pollution from land-based sources requires a multifaceted approach. Improving waste management practices, reducing plastic consumption, promoting recycling, and implementing bans on single-use plastics are essential steps toward mitigating this global issue. International cooperation and legally binding treaties are also necessary to effectively tackle plastic pollution on a transboundary scale.
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Oil spills from ships
One of the most notable oil spills from a ship occurred in 1989 with the Exxon Valdez oil spill. While the exact amount of oil spilled is unknown, the incident had catastrophic consequences. Another significant incident was the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, which resulted in approximately 3.19 million barrels (nearly 134 million gallons) of crude oil leaking into the ocean. This spill is considered the largest in US waters.
To address oil spills from ships, various measures have been implemented. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 holds those responsible for oil spills accountable for the financial burden of cleanup and restoration. Federal, state, and tribal agencies collaborate in the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process to select restoration projects and secure funding from the responsible parties. The US Coast Guard takes the lead in cleaning up oil spills, while organisations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provide scientific support and expertise to guide decision-making and protect people and the environment.
While oil spills from ships continue to pose a significant threat to ocean health, ongoing efforts in preparedness, response, and restoration help mitigate their impact. The development of specialised tools, such as the oil spill trajectory model by NOAA, aids in understanding and managing the effects of oil spills. Additionally, advancements in oil spill science since the Deepwater Horizon incident have contributed to improved response capabilities.
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Atmospheric pollution from littering
Marine debris, including plastic pollution, is a significant issue affecting the world's oceans. The majority of marine debris originates from human activities on land, such as littering, and enters the ocean through various pathways. Atmospheric pollution from littering contributes to the overall problem of ocean pollution, and there are several ways in which littering impacts the atmosphere and, subsequently, the oceans.
Littering on land leads to the accumulation of waste in natural waterways, such as rivers and coastlines, which eventually flow into the oceans. This is particularly true in areas with poor waste management practices, where large amounts of litter end up in rivers and are then transported to the sea. For example, the Pasig River in the Philippines contributes 6.4% of global river plastics. Additionally, cities with paved surfaces near small rivers, such as Jakarta in Indonesia and Manila in the Philippines, have been identified as significant contributors to plastic emissions.
Nonpoint source pollution, which includes runoff from land, is a significant source of ocean pollution. This type of pollution comes from various sources, including septic tanks, vehicles, farms, livestock ranches, and construction sites. When dirt, silt, and chemicals from these sources enter waterways, they can harm fish and wildlife habitats, making the water unsafe for humans and marine life.
The impact of atmospheric pollution from littering is also influenced by climate change. Climate change can lead to increased inputs of litter into the marine environment, as well as undermining the climate resilience of marine ecosystems. Fossil fuel-based plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and their presence in the oceans can alter key species and habitats.
International agreements, such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78), have been implemented to address the issue of marine littering. However, these agreements primarily focus on waste management on ships rather than land-based sources, which are the primary contributors to ocean pollution. To effectively tackle the problem of atmospheric pollution from littering, it is essential to address land-based sources and improve waste management practices globally.
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Deep-sea ocean mining
Marine debris, oil spills, and fertiliser runoff are some of the major sources of ocean pollution. Plastic pollution, in particular, is a pressing issue, with 70% to 80% of plastic in the oceans originating from land-based sources and the remaining 20% to 30% from marine sources such as fishing gear and abandoned vessels. Rivers play a significant role in transporting plastic from land to the sea, with the Yangtze, Xi, and Huangpu rivers in China, the Ganges in India, the Cross in Nigeria, and the Amazon in Brazil being notable contributors.
While deep-sea mining has the potential to meet the rising demand for metals, it also raises concerns about its environmental impact. The disturbance of the seafloor by mining machines can lead to habitat destruction and loss of species, with potential long-term consequences for marine biodiversity and ecosystems. The discharge of wastewater and sediment plumes from mining operations can also affect vulnerable species and commercially important marine life.
Despite these concerns, there is a push for deep-sea mining to commence by 2025, with countries like the United States and Norway considering permits for exploration in their territorial waters. However, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which regulates activities in international waters, is yet to finalise regulations for commercial mining operations. The future of deep-sea mining remains uncertain as negotiations and debates continue, with organisations like the IUCN calling for a moratorium until strict criteria for environmental protection are met.
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Nonpoint source pollution from runoff
Nonpoint source pollution is a significant contributor to ocean pollution, and it can have detrimental effects on both the environment and local economies. Nonpoint source pollution refers to pollution that comes from multiple diffuse sources rather than a single source. It is caused by rainfall or snowmelt, which picks up and carries natural and human-made pollutants as it moves over and through the ground. This polluted runoff is then deposited into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and groundwater.
One of the primary sources of nonpoint source pollution is runoff from agricultural lands and residential areas. Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides can wash into waterways and oceans, causing harm to fish and wildlife habitats. Other sources of nonpoint source pollution include oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban areas and energy production, sediment from construction sites, crop and forest lands, eroding stream banks, and salt from irrigation practices.
The impact of nonpoint source pollution on coastal communities can be significant. It can affect the beauty and health of coastal lands and waters, driving down property values and impacting the local economy, particularly in communities that rely on tourism and commercial fishing. With increasing populations along coastal regions, the stress on the environment from nonpoint source pollution is also heightened.
Efforts are being made to address nonpoint source pollution. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Coastal Zone Management Program is working with coastal states to develop nonpoint source pollution control plans. When pollution causes problems, NOAA scientists help track down the exact causes and find solutions. Correcting the harmful effects of nonpoint source pollution can be costly, requiring millions of dollars to restore and protect affected areas.
While nonpoint source pollution is a significant issue, it is important to recognize that the majority of ocean pollution comes from human activities, with 70% to 80% of plastic in the oceans originating from land-based sources. Poor waste management practices, littering, and marine debris such as derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels also contribute to the pollution of our oceans and waterways. Addressing these issues is crucial for protecting marine life, ecosystems, and human health.
Humanity's Efforts Against Pollution
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Frequently asked questions
Ocean pollution is a global issue, but some areas are more affected than others. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located in the North Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California, is one of the most polluted areas. It is composed of two separate patches, the Western Garbage Patch near Japan and the Eastern Garbage Patch. The Pasig River in the Philippines is responsible for 6.4% of global river plastic pollution. The Yangtze, Xi, and Huangpu rivers in China, the Ganges in India, the Cross in Nigeria, and the Amazon in Brazil are also top contributors.
Plastic is the leading source of ocean pollution, with an estimated 171 trillion plastic particles polluting the world's oceans. Other major sources include oil spills, agricultural runoff, and wastewater.
Ocean pollution has far-reaching consequences for both human health and marine ecosystems. It can lead to negative health outcomes, disrupt marine wildlife behaviours, and create "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive.
To reduce ocean pollution, it is essential to improve waste management practices, especially in areas with high plastic consumption and poor waste management. This includes increasing recycling rates and properly disposing of plastic waste to prevent it from entering waterways and oceans.
