Marine Contamination Essay, Research Paper
Marine Contamination and Pollution
According to the United Nations Joint Group of Experts on
the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution (GESAMP) of 1972,
marine pollution is ?the introduction by man directly or indirectly,
of substances or energy to the marine environment resulting in deleterious effects such as harm to living resources, hazards to human health; hindrance of marine activities including fishing, impairing the quality for use of sea water, and reduction of amenities?(Clark 3). Since the beginning of modern civilization, man has continuously polluted the oceans. As more and more pollution entered the Earth?s oceans and problems became evident, man has been given the obligation to prevent further damage. Sewage, marine debris, toxic chemicals, heavy metals, oil, and radioactive materials constitute six major categories of marine pollutants that mankind needs to prevent from entering the worlds oceans.
Sewage has a short lifespan, it decomposes due to microscopic organisms like bacteria and fungi. However, in the respiration process microorganisms consume oxygen, creating ?biological oxygen demand?(Johnston 56). If there is too little oxygen in the water to support the biological oxygen demand for these biodegraders, they die and so do all the plants and animals that depend on them for food. When raw sewage is dumped into an area without strong currents to disperse it, the oxygen is likely to be used up. When this happens, the only form of decomposition that can take place is anaerobic which takes a very long time. This process is called eutrophication (Clark 5). When nutrient rich sewage enters the ocean, an extreme overgrowth of toxic phytoplankton. This process causes what is known as red-tides that kill many forms of marine life.
Marine debris is another form of pollution that is a major threat to the earth?s oceans. Marine debris consists of discarded plastic, glass, and metal that does not easily decompose. Some debris such as abandoned ships and old cars that sink attract fish because they form artificial reefs. Some artificial reefs have been purposely made by humans out of sinking marine debris for the sole purpose of providing sea life with an ecosystem. The pollution problem is more centered around floating marine debris such as plastic. Because plastic floats it constitutes a threat to sea birds and mammals who either eat it or become entangled in it. Each year 30,000 northern fur seals as well as hundreds of thousands of other marine animals die due to being entangled in discarded plastic(Johnston 63). These plastics when eaten can lodge in the intestines and stomach to block the digestive tract to cause malnutrition and death. Not only does marine debris effect sea life, but humans as well. Marine debris interferes with ship navigation and litters beaches along coastal water.
Toxic chemicals are extremely hazardous to the oceans. Three of the most deadly chemicals are constantly running off land into water. These chemicals; DDT, PCBs, and dioxins belong to a family of industrial and agricultural chemicals that do not brake down easily in our environment. When these chemicals enter the ocean they are first absorbed by phytoplankton and zooplankton. These planktons are an important part of a fish?s diet, therefore; fish eat them and the toxic chemicals are stored in the fish?s fatty tissue. Because fish are low on the food chain, each time the toxic chemicals are passed on from predator to predator the concentration gets higher. High concentrations of these chemicals cause premature birth , birth defects, nerve damage, learning disabilities, and remain in the fatty tissue of marine animals.
Another major pollutant found in our oceans is heavy metals. Heavy metals are dense elements such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Each of these elements has a different and harmful effect on sea life. Lead can make fish toxic for consumption and create more lead in the food chain. In animals, lead causes delayed development of offspring, nervous system disorders, and learning disabilities. Mercury is very toxic, even in low concentrations. It disrupts the central nervous system functions in animals. Mercury is extremely dangerous because mixed with other pollutants, the toxicity can be very deadly. Cadmium becomes toxic to sea animals by eventually replacing the calcium, thus making bones fragile and easily broken.
Oil as ocean pollution has been a major concern for decades. When an oil tanker explodes the oil that pours out into the water creates highly concentrated ?toxic pockets?(Whitham 100). Since oil is lighter than water it generally floats on top of the surface. The oil soaks up oxygen, blocks sunlight, and smothers plankton. Oil destroys the natural water resistance of sea bird feathers causing them to be unable to fly and drown. Marine animals swallow the oil causing intestinal problems and liver failure. Oil contamination in the ocean creates a long cycle of destruction, it clogs the gills of fish, taints shellfish, destroys natural corral reefs, and kills marine larva (Whitham 100).
The ocean is also polluted by radioactive materials. Once radioactive wastes enter an ocean they can not be removed or cleaned up, but are diluted into the large body of water. The plants and animals in the ocean develop a concentration of the radioactive material within them. This concentration can be harmless to some animals, but be lethal to the plant or animals predators. Animals contaminated by radiation that survive pass radionucleides in greater concentration along the food chain. Humans are the most effected by radiation, therefore; when nuclear waste is entered into the ocean humans are greatly effected due to rainfall and the food chain.(Seymour 22).
Pollution of the earth?s oceans has become a real problem. There are six major pollutants including sewage, marine debris, toxic chemicals, heavy metals, oil, and radioactive materials. These pollutants need to be regulated and prevented from entering the oceans. As population and consumer societies grow, pollution will become even a greater problem. The effects of each of the six major pollutants is evident, therefore; mankind needs to take preventative steps to save our ?Mother Ocean?.
Clark, R.B. Marine Pollution. Second Edition. Clarendon Press. Oxford, New York. 1989.
Johnston, R. Marine Pollution. Academic Press. New York, NY. 1976.
Seymour, Allyn H. Radioactivity in the Marine Environment. National Academy of Sciences. Washington D.C. 1971.
Whitham, B.T. , A.B. Harvey, D.F. Duckworth et al. Marine Pollution by Oil . Institute of Petroleum analysis committee. Great Britian. 1974.
Другие работы по теме:
Antigone 2 Essay Research Paper Some individuals
Antigone 2 Essay, Research Paper Some individuals in literature try to do what they believe is right, even though they face oppositions. In the play “Antigone”, by Sophocles, and “A Few Good Men”, by Rob Reiner, Both Colonel Jessep and King Creon are two such inividuals. In both of these plays, they are both successful in doing what they believe is right, but they both face oppositions.
The Path To A Carreer Essay Research
Paper The Path to a Career A man named Thomas Carlyle once said, ABlessed is he who has found his work; let him ask no other blessedness.@ I couldn=t agree more. In Kindergarten I thought I knew what I wanted to be for the rest of my life. How wrong I was. Over the years my career interests have changed dramatically, everything from a marine biologist to an interior decorator.
Miramar Air Station Essay Research Paper World
Miramar Air Station Essay, Research Paper World War II opened many American?s eyes to the possibility of invasion from another country; as was seen when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in the winter of 1941. Since that time, the reality of war has been a major contributing factor to the Californian lifestyle and how it views the military.
Orcas
– Killer Whales Essay, Research Paper Killer whales are one of the most fascinating displays of ocean life. The killer whale has characteristics that are important to its survival in the ocean. It is interesting to know that killer whales have a plentiful diet. It is astounding to see how killer whales behave in the ocean.
Cause The Parasite Giardia Lamblia
Essay, Research Paper How spread: Drinking contaminated water Areas of risk: Common anywhere there is contamination of surface or domestic water. Commonly spread through day cares of underdeveloped countries. Outbreaks have occurred in cities where water is not properly treated.
Ocean Fisheries Essay Research Paper Most people
Ocean Fisheries Essay, Research Paper Most people are familiar with the problems of the blue whale, efforts to save endangered sea turtles, and the many tragic tales of dolphins dying in tuna
United States Marines Essay Research Paper UNITED
United States Marines Essay, Research Paper UNITED STATES MARINES What is a Peace Hero? Webster describes a hero as, A man noted for courageous acts or nobility of purpose. One who has risked or sacrificed his life . Peace is described as, The absence of war or other hostilities . Isn t that the life of a Marine? Every day they are willing to risk their lives for the courageous act of peace.
Maritime Law Essay Research Paper Maritime LawThe
Maritime Law Essay, Research Paper Maritime Law The value of many shipments depends upon fluctuations in the currency rates, freight, handling charges, and other expenses. By means of insurance protection
Pudget Essay Research Paper Industry
Pudget Essay, Research Paper Industry’s Toxic Chemical Water Pollution Shipyards, oil refineries, and pulp and paper mills put the health of Puget Sound at risk by not fully meeting their responsibility to control the toxic chemical pollution they generate, according to a detailed report by People For Puget Sound based on the environmental records of 31 facilities.
Salt Marshes Essay Research Paper OceanographySalt MarshesSalt
Salt Marshes Essay, Research Paper OceanographySalt Marshes Salt marshes are coastal wetlands rich in marine life, which are covered by water at least once per month. They are found in the intertidal zones along low-energy coastlines, forming along the margins of estuaries, where freshwater from the land mixes with seawater.
Space Marines Essay Research Paper THE EMPEROR
Space Marines Essay, Research Paper THE EMPEROR’S FINEST Long ago, the Emperor needed soldiers to help him in his great crusade to reunite humanity after the terrible Age of Strife. The Emperor knew that he required something better than his normal troops if there was to be any chance of succeeding, thus the Space Marines were born.
Joseph Turner Essay Research Paper Turner Joseph
Joseph Turner Essay, Research Paper Turner, Joseph Mallord William (1775-1851), English landscape painter, renowned for his vibrant and dramatic treatment of natural light and atmospheric effects in land and marine subjects, and whose work had a direct influence on the development of impressionism.
Controlled Environment Essay Research Paper What controlled
Controlled Environment Essay, Research Paper What controlled environment did you spend time in? How long? When I graduated from High School I entered into the Merchant Marine Academy at Fort Schuyler in New York. From then until I was in my mid thirties I was involved with ocean liners, tankers and ships. For periods of one year at a time I would be on a ship traveling the world, making shipments and patrolling the seas.
How North Carolina Is Affected By Water
Pollution Essay, Research Paper HOW NORTH CAROLINA IS EFFECTED ECONOMICALLY BY WATER POLLUTION About 80% of the State s surveyed freshwater rivers and streams have good water quality that fully supports aquatic life uses, 17% have fair water quality that partially supports aquatic life uses, and 3% have poor water quality that does not support aquatic life uses.
A Civil Action Essay Research Paper A
A Civil Action Essay, Research Paper A Civil Action A Civil Action is a story about a personal injury case involving the people of Woburn, Massachusetts. This book is based on a true story told from the plaintiff lawyer’s perspective. This book dramatizes a complex environmental trial in 1986 in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Stellar Sea Lions Essay Research Paper Stellar
Stellar Sea Lions Essay, Research Paper Stellar Sea Lion Stellar sealion (Eumetopias Jubatus). Stellar sea lions are sometimes confused with California sea lions, but are alot larger and lighter in color. Males may grow to eleven feet
Marine Pollution
– Affecting Tomorrow’s World Essay, Research Paper Marine Pollution: Affecting Tomorrow’s World Marine pollution, can be defined as: “The introduction of man, directly or indirectly, of substance or energy into the marine environment, resulting in such effects as harm to living resources, hazards to human health, hindrance to marine activities including fishing, impairment of quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities (Johnston, 1976).”
Dolphin Essay Research Paper The Dolphin Circle
Dolphin Essay, Research Paper The Dolphin Circle exists to increase your awareness of dolphins and the world of marine mammals. Our special focus is on interspecies communication and the influence the dolphins may have on emotional and physical healing.
Pearl Harbor History Essay Research Paper Pearl
Pearl Harbor History Essay, Research Paper Pearl Harbor The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii on December 7, 1941 at 7:50 AM on a Sunday morning. There were over 3500 Navy, Army, and Marine troops killed. Four battle ships were sunk and many over military vessels were heavily damaged. The U.S. and Japan had not yet declared war and the U.S. military divisions were not on any type of wartime alert.
Environment Friendly Essay Research Paper Environment FriendlyThe
Environment Friendly Essay, Research Paper Environment Friendly The Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) is a unique environmental organization. It just doesn?t talk about whales and dolphins, it actually studies and protects them first-hand. Their research efforts helped create marine sanctuaries in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States; save dolphins from deadly fishing practices in South America; and establish whalewatching as a replacement for whale killing.
The Whale Shark Essay Research Paper The
The Whale Shark Essay, Research Paper The Whale Shark At a whopping forty-six feet and a massive fifteen tons, you can see why the whale shark is called they whale shark. The whale shark is the biggest shark and the biggest fish in the ocean (The Whale Shark Bibliography – Tethys Marine). As you can see it is not a whale.
Starfish Essay Research Paper The common name
Starfish Essay, Research Paper The common name for the starfish is the sea star. There are an estimated 1500 living species of these marine animals characterized by having no back
Cause 2
Cause & Effect:Water Pollution Essay, Research Paper Cause and Effect: Water Pollution Water pollution progresses every day in our lakes, oceans, rivers, and other bodies of water that we see and use in many ways. Water is essential for all living things to survive, yet people still pollute it. It s pretty sad to be taking a trip to the beach with your family and you get there to see a sign that says the beach is closed.
Water Pollution Essay Research Paper ChristineHow is
Water Pollution Essay, Research Paper Christine How is water polluted ? Water is polluted when any harmful substance is released into the water thus contaminating or making it unsuitable for marine life to survive.
Management From The Corps Essay Research Paper
I want to use this opportunity to discuss two things, both near and dear to my heart; The United States Marine Corps and Management. Throughout this paper I want to focus on how I think civilians can learn to be better managers by using what that corps has established over it s illustrious 223 years as the Best Management-Training Program in America Inc. (Freedman).
Pollution Essay Research Paper Pollution What is
Pollution Essay, Research Paper Pollution. What is pollution? According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary pollution is ?the action of polluting esp. by environmental contamination with man-made waste.? The United States runs on power. Much of the United States? powers come from various nuclear power plants all across the country.
Water Pollution Ocean Pollution Essay Research Paper
Ocean Pollution Water pollution is a problem that effects all living things. Every living organism on the earth needs water to survive. When the water is polluted, it not only effects the plants and animals, it harms people. Taking care of this planet’s water is very important to the short term and long term survival of living things.
Pat Conroy Essay Research Paper Pat Conroy
Pat Conroy Essay, Research Paper Pat Conroy was an author who grew up in South Carolina.His works were influenced by his life and experiences which occurred from when he was young to
Great Barrier Reef Essay Research Paper The
Great Barrier Reef Essay, Research Paper The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder which is a resource used by human and marine life. This natural resource is under threat by the abuse of
Marine Biology Essay Research Paper I often
Marine Biology Essay, Research Paper I often wonder how I want to spend the rest of my life. My dream is to explore the ocean and discover the many secrets that still lie beneath the waters? surface. I am approaching a time in my life when decision making will pave the way for my future. To have the best of both worlds, a rewarding career and a life revolving around aquatic life, marine biology looks very appealing to me.
Marine Biology Essay Research Paper Aquarium AssignmentA
Marine Biology Essay, Research Paper Aquarium Assignment A major source of coastal pollutants, human sewage fouls bays and beaches with both toxic and nontoxic pollutants. Although billions of dollars have been invested in sewage treatment plants to treat wastewater, new and growing coastal communities have increased the amount of discharge into oceans and estuaries.
Marine Mammal Biology Essay Research Paper Marine
Marine Mammal Biology Essay, Research Paper Marine Mammal Biology How many different jobs are there and what education is needed? I decided to do a report on Marine Mammal Biology. I have a deep interest in this subject and one day would like to pursue a career in Marine Mammal Biology.