Marine Environmental Pollution

In addition to David Hastings Marine Science, Marine environmental pollution is when harmful substances such as oil, industrial and agricultural waste, and chemical particles are spread into the ocean. This causes a decline in water quality and harms marine animals and plants. The oceans are vital to the planet, providing a habitat for many types of fish and other marine life. However, excessive human activity is severely impacting the oceans, making them a breeding ground for marine environmental pollution.

Ships are a significant source of ocean pollution. These ships are laden with hazardous chemicals and other pollutants in the water. These chemicals have a range of adverse effects on marine life, including killing fish and other animals. Moreover, these chemicals are hard to clean up. This leads to long-term damage to the marine ecosystem. Plastic debris is another major cause of ocean pollution. It is found in plastic bags, bottles, and other items. These pieces of trash often become tangled in the bodies of fish, and they pose dangers to marine creatures who eat them.

These pieces of trash can also clog water filters and reduce the clarity of seawater, making it difficult for fish to find food and reproduce. They also encourage the growth of disease-causing bacteria in the ocean. In addition to plastic, other forms of garbage can significantly contribute to ocean environmental pollution. They include untreated sewage, industrial and agricultural waste, and pesticides.

Aside from these, pollutants are also leaking into the ocean through thermal pollution and acid rain. This is a significant concern as it can destroy the coral reefs and calcium-containing organisms essential to the marine food chain. It can also increase the acidity of water, which can erode coral reefs and deplete oxygen levels in the ocean. It also increases the levels of toxins and heavy metals in the water, which can be lethal to marine species. In addition, it increases the amount of eutrophication (the release of nutrients that cause algae to grow and expand), which can lead to an unhealthy ecosystem for all marine life.

Some common pollutants released into the ocean by industries and agriculture are nitrates, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, perfluorinated compounds, and brominated flame retardants. They have been shown to affect human health, including cardiovascular disease, immune dysfunction, and cancer. In addition, these chemicals can be absorbed by the body of humans and can affect the endocrine system. This can lead to various health problems, including cancer and gastrointestinal diseases.

Other forms of pollution found in the oceans include radioactive material and oil spills. These forms of pollution are complicated to clean up, and it can take years before they can be safely removed from the water. It is critical to note that marine pollution impacts the environment and the people who live near the seas. Individuals must do their part to prevent and reduce marine pollution. Numerous resources can help people understand the problem and take action to protect the oceans.