Types of Ocean Pollution

Ocean pollution is the result of human activities on the seas and oceans that produce various types of waste. It damages many ocean ecosystems, so vulnerable ecosystems take a long time to recover.

Therefore, let's find out what are the types of ocean pollution.

1.    Trash

Trash flows into the sea in large amounts, most of which is plastic waste. Plastic waste can trap fish and mammals and even damage coral reefs. Over time, it can break down into smaller pieces called microplastics. Microplastics are potentially more dangerous because they can be eaten by ocean organisms, harming their internal organs and weakening their immune system.

2.    Chemical

Chemicals produce chemical pollution. For example, pesticides or fertilizers are used to increase crop yields. Why does it affect the oceans? Because when it rains, these chemicals will flow into sewers or rivers and end up in the ocean. It causes an imbalance of nutrients in the water, thereby destroying the ecosystem's natural balance.

3.    Offshore Drilling

Offshore drilling commonly carried out by the oil and gas industry's routine operations emits toxic by-products. Oil, for example, can linger for decades and do irreversible damage to delicate marine ecosystems. Smaller spills from it also pollute the ocean with long-lasting impacts. It is pretty difficult to clean because the most advanced cleanup efforts remove only a fraction of the oil, and sometimes they use hazardous technologies.

4.    Noise

Noise pollution is produced by sounds, such as noise generated by drilling, oil exploration, and cargo ships. Sound travels much longer underwater than in the air. It can confuse animals that rely on sonar signals, shorten life spans, and even threaten the existence of entire species.

Those are some types of ocean pollution. Let's save our ocean!

References:

Kinhal, V. (n.d.). Types of ocean pollution. LoveToKnow. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Types_of_Ocean_Pollution

Pollution Solutions. (2021, April 6). What are the different types of marine pollution? Pollution Solutions Online. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://www.pollutionsolutions-online.com/news/waste-management/21/breaking-news/what-are-the-different-types-of-marine-pollution/54718 

Wilkey, M. (2022, March 17). 10 different types of ocean pollution (and the laws that fight them!). eLawTalk.com. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://elawtalk.com/types-of-ocean-pollution/