Type of Marine Pollution

What Are the Different Types of Marine Pollution?

The negative impacts of human activity upon our seas and oceans are manifold and well-documented. Indeed, until recently, it was believed that the sheer scale of the water which covers much of our planet was so vast that it would swallow up all waste that we threw at it, meaning humans polluted without any thought for the potential repercussions.

Although today’s society is much better informed on the dangers of marine pollution, the damage has already been done in many cases – while it continues to occur in many more. However, not all forms of contamination are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the four most common varieties of marine pollution and the harmful effects they can have on marine populations.

Plastic pollution

It’s estimated that around eight million tons of plastic waste enter our oceans each year, on top of the 150 million tones already present in them. While larger pieces of plastic can damage coral reefs or ensnare fish and mammals, over time, they eventually break down into much smaller fragments. These particles, known as microplastics, are potentially even more dangerous, since they are more likely to be mistaken for food by organisms of all sizes. After ingestion, they can harm the internal organs and weaken the immune systems of the animal in question, not to mention filling their stomach with plastic matter that contains zero nutritional value.

 

 Light pollution

Wherever there is human habitation, there will be light. Many towns and cities are built near to coastal areas, meaning the lighting used to illuminate our streets, homes, offices and other public places can infiltrate underneath the waves, as well. The presence of this artificial light during night-time can upset the natural circadian rhythms of fish and other marine animals, which can disrupt their daily routines. Larger fish can prey upon smaller species more easily, while reef dwelling fish can have their reproductive cycles thrown into disarray.

The study’s findings are even more important in light of the ongoing expansion of coastal urban areas.  Not only are 75% of the world’s megacities (cities with a population of over 10 million people) coastal, but researchers also warn that “costal populations are projected to more than double by 2060”.

 

Light pollution on the seafloor is therefore “likely to be globally widespread and increasing in intensity and extent,” the study claims.

Noise pollution

We may traditionally associate noise pollution with industrial sites or construction works, but sounds can travel for further and longer underwater than they can in the air. For that reason, noise pollution caused by anthropogenic activity is a much greater threat to marine animals than it is to those living on the land or in the air. Not only can noise pollution confuse animals which depend upon sonar signals to feed, mate and navigate their way around the ocean, but it can shorten their lifespans and threaten the very existence of entire species. Loud underwater noises, including those associated with shipping, have the capacity to mask sounds generated by marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates, just as, for example, construction noise or loud music can mask a conversation between two humans. Animals use sounds for various purposes, including communication, hunting, and navigation; it is reasonable to believe that masking those sounds has a negative effect on some species of marine life.

 Chemical pollution

Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides are commonly used by farmers to boost yields and protect against pests and diseases. Unfortunately, heavy rainfall can sweep these chemicals into gutters, streams, and rivers, eventually diverting them into marine environments. Although we do possess sustainable solutions for the removal of chemicals like phosphate and ammonia from such environments, they are not always as commonly employed nor as effective as we might like. This leads to a nutritional imbalance in the water, promoting the growth of algal blooms, depriving other animals of the space, sunlight, and nutrients they need and destroying the natural balance of ecosystems. The technology avoids the need for chemicals and targets specific pollutants with a combination of adsorption and electrochemical oxidation. Rather than dosing wastewater with chemicals, the water percolates through a carbon-based media which the organic pollutants ‘stick’ to. A low electrical current is applied to the bed of media to oxidize the organics and simultaneously regenerate the surface of the media to allow for further treatment. It’s clear that environmentally friendly wastewater treatment must form part of an industry-wide effort to counteract pollutants entering the environment.

Fortunately, the tide is beginning turn as consumers and businesses alike become more aware of the potential damage the fast fashion industry is causing. More stringent regulation and fines for businesses found polluting the environment with wastewater will undoubtedly bring change. Businesses who use water in their manufacturing processes must take responsibility and utilise the latest technology before it’s too late.

 

Rapid advances in water treatment technology mean organisations can now treat wastewater in an environmentally considerate way while being able to reuse water and guaranteeing discharge regulations are met.