Every year, we dump billions of tons of garbage into the ocean. But where does so much pollution come from? Most of the time, the garbage that is thrown in the street ends up on our beaches, and the waves are responsible for dragging it into the sea. Some waste sinks, while others are eaten by some marine species, such as turtles, which mistake it for food.
Other debris accumulates in ocean gyres (areas where floating plastic debris accumulates) thus forming islands of garbage. Without a doubt, it is time to change our consumption habits and think about the Earth.
Where does the pollution come from?
Most of the pollutants that reach the ocean floor come from human activities, especially on the coasts. One of the biggest sources of pollution is diffuse source, which occurs when waste is carried off the ground by runoff from rainwater. That is, the garbage is dragged by the current of water that is spilled when it exceeds its natural or artificial channels.
Non-point source pollution can come from vehicles, farms, or livestock. Instead, pollution that comes from a single source, such as an oil spill, is known as point source pollution . Point source pollution often has a huge environmental impact, but luckily they occur less frequently. Poor or faulty wastewater treatment is also considered point source pollution.
Microplastics and marine debris
Another major pollution problem is microplastics and marine debris . Our oceans and waterways are littered with debris, which can range from millimeter microplastics to fishing nets, tires, or boats.
Most marine species have been negatively affected by these wastes, which can kill animals when they become entangled or ingested by mistake. In addition, these wastes also pose a threat to human health because, according to a UN study, we end up ingesting these microplastics through fish and shellfish.
Likewise, much of this garbage originates on land and ends up in the seas due to poor waste management, rainwater or certain natural disasters such as tsunamis and hurricanes. Caring for the oceans depends solely on us, as we are part of the problem and the solution at the same time.
