Marine Pollution: A Comprehensive
Report
1. Definition
Marine pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances—such as chemicals,
plastics, oil, sewage, and radioactive materials—into oceans, seas, and coastal waters. These
pollutants mainly originate from human activities and can be dumped intentionally or
carried indirectly through rivers and air. Marine pollution is a global concern as it disrupts
the ecological balance, kills marine life, and affects human well-being. For example, rivers
like the Ganges and Yamuna carry waste from cities into the ocean, making marine pollution
a transboundary issue.
2. Types of Marine Pollution
a) Plastic Pollution
Plastics make up about 80% of marine debris. Single-use plastics—like bags, straws,
bottles—end up in the sea, breaking into microplastics that are eaten by marine organisms.
Over 100,000 marine animals die each year from plastic entanglement or ingestion. Even
tiny plankton now have plastic particles in their system, which are then eaten by fish,
moving up the food chain.
b) Oil Pollution
Oil pollution often comes from accidental spills or leaks from ships and oil rigs. It spreads
quickly on the surface and coats marine organisms. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill
leaked over 4 million barrels into the Gulf of Mexico, devastating marine life.
c) Chemical Pollution
Toxic substances like mercury, lead, arsenic, pesticides, and industrial chemicals enter the
ocean from factories and farms. These toxins do not degrade and often accumulate in fish.
Mercury contamination in tuna and swordfish poses health risks to consumers.
d) Sewage and Wastewater Pollution
In many developing nations, untreated sewage is dumped directly into the sea. This
introduces bacteria, viruses, and excess nutrients into the water. The result is
eutrophication—excess nutrients promote algal blooms that deplete oxygen and kill fish.
e) Thermal Pollution
Industries discharge hot water from cooling systems into oceans, raising the water
temperature. This causes coral reefs to experience bleaching, and species that require
cooler water migrate or die.
f) Noise Pollution
Submarine military activities, oil drilling, and shipping cause underwater noise pollution
that disrupts marine animal communication, especially for whales and dolphins.
3. Impact on Human Health
Marine pollution directly and indirectly affects human health. Contaminated seafood can
lead to serious conditions like cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological disorders. For
example, mercury poisoning from eating fish caught near industrial areas. Additionally, raw
sewage in coastal areas spreads diseases such as cholera and hepatitis. Microplastics have
even been found in human blood and lungs, though long-term effects are still being studied.
4. Impact on the Environment
Marine pollution causes extensive damage to the environment. Oil spills suffocate fish and
destroy food sources. Coral reefs are smothered by pollutants, leading to the extinction of
marine species. Nutrient-rich pollution creates dead zones with no oxygen. When keystone
species die off, the entire ecosystem is affected.
5. Recent Report
The UNEP Marine Pollution Report 2024 states that over 11 million metric tons of plastic
enter the ocean each year. Only 9% of plastic waste is recycled. Ocean acidification is
weakening the shells of marine organisms. In India, the Central Pollution Control Board
found that more than 60% of marine pollution is caused by untreated domestic sewage.
Recent incidents like the 2023 Japanese oil spill and 2024 microplastic detection in Arctic
ice highlight the severity of the issue.
6. Additional Points
a) Economic Impact
Marine pollution reduces fish populations, affecting fishermen and seafood industries.
Polluted beaches deter tourists, hurting local economies.
b) Climate Change Connection
Polluted oceans absorb less CO₂, accelerating climate change. Coral bleaching and ocean
acidification are connected to marine pollution.
c) Marine Life Suffering
Whales and seabirds ingest plastic, mistaking it for food. Some whales have been found with
80 kg of plastic in their stomachs.
7. Solutions and Prevention
To prevent marine pollution, we must reduce single-use plastics, treat sewage, enforce
pollution control laws, and promote community beach clean-ups. International agreements
like MARPOL need strict implementation.
8. Conclusion
Marine pollution is a global crisis threatening ecosystems, economies, and human health.
Immediate and collaborative action is required to protect our oceans. Everyone—from
individuals to governments—has a role to play in ensuring a sustainable future.
