lecture 15 Flashcards
What is marine pollution?
Marine pollution is the introduction by humans, directly or indirectly, of substances into the marine environment that harm living resources, marine life, human health, and diminish amenities.
What are the main types of marine pollution?
The main types include chemical (e.g., hydrocarbons), garbage (e.g., plastics), and biological pollution.
What is the difference between point-source and nonpoint-source pollution?
Point-source pollution comes from a single, identifiable source like oil spills, whereas nonpoint-source pollution comes from diffuse sources like runoff from agriculture and urban areas.
How does crude oil affect marine life?
Crude oil can be deadly to marine life. It can kill fish eggs at concentrations as low as 0.7 ppb in seawater and cause death or serious harm to organisms it covers.
What is an environmental biological assessment?
A technique to determine the concentration of pollutants by controlled experiments, measuring effects like mortality in test organisms. However, it has limitations, such as not predicting long-term impacts or interactions between different pollutants.
What makes up the majority of marine debris?
Approximately 80% of marine debris comes from land-based sources, with plastics being the dominant material due to their durability and persistence in the environment.
What are microplastics and their sources?
Microplastics are pieces of plastic less than 5 mm in size, originating from primary sources like cosmetics and clothing fibers, or from the breakdown of larger plastic items.
What causes ocean acidification?
Ocean acidification is caused by the increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed by the ocean, leading to a decrease in pH. This change affects marine chemistry and the ability of carbonate-rich organisms to thrive.
What impact do invasive species have on marine environments?
Invasive species can reduce biodiversity, threaten native species, reduce productivity, and introduce diseases to new environments.
How can individuals help reduce marine pollution?
Individuals can use less water, reduce waste and pollutants, shop wisely (local and avoid microbeads), clean up garbage, and stay informed about environmental issues.
