CAUSES OF MARINE POLLUTION

Oceans, which account for 70 percent of the surface of our planet, play a pivotal role within the health of our planet and people who inhabit it. Unfortunately, our oceans are polluted. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, billions of pounds of trash and other pollutants enter our oceans per annum .

The monumental impacts of this are far-reaching. In this post, we’re taking a closer look at the various causes of ocean pollution, its effects and the steps we can take to combat it.

Causes of Marine Pollution

There are many causes of Marine pollution. Of all the facts, there's one constant: most pollution in our oceans begins ashore and is caused by humans. Here are a number of the main causes of marine pollution:

Nonpoint source pollution (Runoff)

Nonpoint source pollution comes from a spread of various locations and sources. The results of this is often runoff, which occurs when rain or snow moves pollutants from the bottom into the ocean. For instance, after an important rainstorm, water flows off roads into the ocean, taking oil left on streets from cars with it.

Intentional discharge

Manufacturing plants in some areas of the world release toxic waste into the ocean, including mercury. While it’s intentionally being released into the ocean , sewage also contributes to ocean pollution, also as plastic products. According to Ocean Conservancy, eight million metric plenty of plastic goes into our oceans per annum .

Oil spills

Ships are major contributors to ocean pollution, especially when crude oil spills occur. Crude oil lasts for years within the ocean and is difficult to wash up.

Littering

Atmospheric pollution, which refers to things carried by the wind to the ocean, may be a big problem. Items like plastic bags and Styrofoam containers become suspended within the water and don’t decompose.

Ocean mining

Deep-sea ocean mining causes pollution and disruption at the lowest levels of the ocean. Drilling for substances like cobalt, zinc, silver, gold and copper creates harmful sulfide deposits deep within the ocean.

By: Mansi Banerjee