Marine pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the marine environment, leading to adverse effects on marine life, ecosystems, and human activities.
Get the full solved assignment PDF of MEVE-019 of 2023-24 session now.
The causes of marine pollution are diverse and often result from human activities on land and at sea. Here are some primary causes of marine pollution:
- Oil Spills:
- Accidental or deliberate discharge of oil from ships, offshore drilling rigs, or oil transportation pipelines can result in oil spills. These spills have severe consequences on marine life, coating marine organisms, and affecting ecosystems.
- Plastic Pollution:
- Improper disposal and inadequate waste management lead to the release of vast amounts of plastic waste into rivers and oceans. Plastics break down into smaller particles, microplastics, which can persist in the marine environment for extended periods and harm marine life.
- Industrial Discharges:
- Industrial activities release pollutants such as heavy metals, chemicals, and toxins into rivers and coastal waters. Industrial discharges contribute to water pollution and negatively impact marine ecosystems.
- Agricultural Runoff:
- Runoff from agricultural lands carries pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides into rivers and oceans. These chemicals can lead to nutrient imbalances, algal blooms, and “dead zones,” harming marine life and ecosystems.
- Sewage Disposal:
- Improperly treated or untreated sewage discharge from coastal cities and vessels introduces nutrients, pathogens, and pollutants into the marine environment, leading to water contamination and the spread of diseases among marine organisms.
- Atmospheric Deposition:
- Airborne pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants, settle on the ocean surface through atmospheric deposition. This can contribute to marine pollution, especially in areas downwind of industrial or urban centers.
- Ship Traffic and Ballast Water:
- Shipping activities can result in accidental spills of oil and hazardous substances. Additionally, ballast water discharged from ships may contain invasive species, impacting local marine ecosystems.
- Underwater Noise Pollution:
- Increased maritime traffic, naval activities, and underwater construction generate noise pollution in the form of sonar signals and engine noise. This can disrupt marine animal communication, navigation, and behavior.
- Dumping of Hazardous Waste:
- Illegal dumping of hazardous waste, including industrial waste, chemicals, and electronic waste, poses a significant threat to marine environments. This practice contaminates waters and harms marine life.
- Global Climate Change:
- Climate change-related factors, such as rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and changes in ocean circulation patterns, impact marine ecosystems. These changes can lead to coral bleaching, altered species distribution, and reduced biodiversity.
- Mining Activities:
- Offshore mining operations, such as deep-sea mining and sand mining, can cause habitat destruction and release sediments, heavy metals, and pollutants into the marine environment.
- Ghost Fishing Gear:
- Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear, known as ghost gear, continues to trap and kill marine life. This includes nets, lines, and traps left in the ocean, contributing to marine pollution and harming marine organisms.
Addressing marine pollution requires international cooperation, the implementation of effective regulations, and sustainable practices to reduce pollution sources. Sustainable waste management, improved wastewater treatment, and the adoption of eco-friendly technologies are essential components of mitigating marine pollution.