Question

List the main sources of pollution of ocean waters.

Answer 1

1. Oil Spills: When oil is transported by ships or extracted from the sea floor, accidental spills occur. This forms a layer on the water surface, harming marine life by blocking oxygen.

2. Plastic Waste: Plastics from households and industries are often thrown into rivers or seas. Since plastic doesn’t decompose, it harms marine animals that may swallow or get trapped in it.

3. Industrial and Agricultural Waste: Factories and farms release chemicals, pesticides, and fertilisers into rivers, which eventually reach the oceans and pollute them.

4. Mining Activities: Mining near coastal areas or in oceans releases heavy metals and sediments into the water, affecting the quality of marine ecosystems.

5. Thermal Pollution: Factories sometimes release hot water into oceans. This sudden increase in temperature can harm or kill sensitive marine species.

6. Nuclear Waste: Waste from nuclear plants or tests sometimes ends up in oceans. This radioactive material is extremely harmful to all forms of marine life.