Oceans And Pollution

Question 1

How much has plastic production risen in recent years?

Answer 1

• Between 2000 and 2010, 311 million tonnes produced worldwide (More than entire 20th Century)
• Production set to rise to 1100 million tonnes by 2015

Question 2

Why has there been such a dramatic increase in plastics?

Answer 2

• Use of plastic in everyday life
• Cheap consumer products
• Boom in bottled drinks (2 million thrown away every 5 mins in USA)

Question 3

How bad is plastic pollution of the oceans?

Answer 3

• 90% rubbish floating in oceans
• Every mile contains 46,000 pieces
• These concentrate in ‘ocean garbage patches’
• China contributes 2 billion kg of plastic debris
• Vietnam 0.8 billion kg vs USA 50 million kg (Lack of infrastructure)

Question 4

What impact does plastic pollution have on the environment?

Answer 4

• 95% fulmars washed up on Scottish beaches have plastic debris in gut
• 260 species of marine birds and mammals are known to ingest plastic waste

Question 5

What is eutrophication?

Answer 5

Process where excessive nutrients are added to a body of water

Question 6

Give an example of eutrophication

Answer 6

• Nitrate fertilisers from farmland
• Causes explosion of algae, causing fish to suffocate
• 20 major marine dead zones identified