Technological Institute of the Philippines - Manila

College of Arts

THE CAUSES OF MARINE POLUTION: ITS EFFECTS ON LIVING RESOURCES AND

HUMANS

A Research Proposal Submitted to the College of Arts and to Prof. Ms. Grace Cruz
in Partial Fulfillment of the Final Requirements for the Course Ethics (HUM 003).

Submitted by

Ceriola
Deuda
Estanislao
Famero
Ferrer
Flores
Gado
Gepaya
_______________
Researchers

September 2017
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1. The Problem and its Background

The population of humanity in our world is vastly increasing that our Mother
Earth can no longer withstand the destructive actions of humans. People's
incautious behavior of repeatedly dumping excessive wastes in both land and
water may result to potential problems or risks in our environment. One of its
consequences may danger the marine environment and may affect the living
resources and humans. Marine Pollution is the act of polluting the hydrosphere
part of the world in which about 71 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by
water.

Throughout the years there are many sources of these pollutants risking
the marine environment. About 80 percent of marine pollution comes from land;
these includes potentially harmful wastes that enters the oceans, seas, rivers,
lakes and all bodies of water. Marine pollutants are chemical wastes, industrial
wastes, residential wastes and invasive organism. Also, incidents may occur and
be a cause to pollute the water. As an example, oil spill is a form of pollution
where oil is released into bodies of water. It is the release of liquid petroleum
hydrocarbon in the environment in both land and water. This usually caused by
accidents involving tankers, pipelines, refineries and even people being reckless
or making mistakes.

2. Statement of the Problem

Over the last few decades, surplus human activities have severely affected
the marine life on the Earth's oceans. Marine Pollution has been a serious problem
facing our world with dangers in the future. By some estimations, 80 percent of the
pollutants comes from land.

Several methods have been proposed in order to combat this. By simple

actions of picking a litter any time you see it, wherever it is just dispose it properly.
By using the option to reduce, reuse and recycle. And most importantly by talking
trash to your friends and family. People can't change what they don't know about,
so help us spread the word.

The main causes of marine pollution are endangering the marine resources
and humans. Action is needed if our Earth's marine environment is to remain
clean, and a source of life as it has always been.
3. Objective of the Study

The Researchers conducted this study for its goal. This study aims to
overcome the difficulty and dangers in marine environment. Understand its causes
and effects. Discover what are the potential ways and solutions to the causes. To
refine our current understanding of marine environment. Provide a new
interpretation of ways and solutions that might help avoid marine pollution. Also,
understand what makes this research successful or unsuccessful.

4. Significance of the Study

The study of marine pollution causes and effects can be a learning

paradigm in the next generations of students and researchers. With our study
future readers may enhance their knowledge and become environmentalists. This
is but a small contribution for environmental awareness that not only basic
education be learned by today's student but acquisition on how to protect what is
important and to have knowledge in caring for the environment with the full
participation of our country's society. The goal of this study is designed to help and
save the marine environment and its resources for everyone's benefit. This goal
can be achieved through the awareness giving by this study alone and alike. The
output of this study is a source material that anyone can assimilate and
disseminate by diffusion and induction technique.
5. Research Questions

This study will determine the problems related to marine pollution and some
potential solutions that may risk the marine environment. The given problems will
be answered in the next chapter of this study.

The research questions for this study will be:

1. What are the major sources of pollutants that cause marine
pollution?
2. What are the effects of pollution in the marine environment?
3. Who are responsible in polluting water resources?
4. Who suffers from the aftermath of marine pollution?
5. What are the preventive measures can you recommend to avoid
marine pollution?
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

1. Method of Research

The method used in order for this study to accomplish its goal is through
questionnaires and opinion polls spread to some specific respondents. W e have
gathered insights of our respondents towards their stand in our study entitled The
Causes of Marine Pollution: Its Effects on Living Resources and Humans. The
Researchers had browsed books about marine pollution and alike. Also, we had
surfed the world wide web to support the main frame of our facts.

2. Subject of the Study

The scope of this study is limited due to time restrictions, in the mere fact
we are aiming to scope at least our country to provide awareness in protecting our
resources both land and water. As a result, the main subject of this research are
marine students from our school in which they will play an important role in their
future fields of expertise. As the Ambassadors of Marine Education, they are
capable in providing resolutions to the problem and protect our water resources
from pollution.

3. Data Gathering Procedure

This study was started in the month of September whereas we have a

limited time to complete these efforts. Since we have a month to finish this
requirement we have extend our efforts in gathering all the needed data and
information. In span of time we have spread polls and questions to maritime
students as our respondents in this study. Questionnaires are given to each
respondent in order to obtain their proposition about the matter.
CHAPTER II: PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

1. Resolutions to the Problem

The Major Sources of Pollutants that cause Marine Pollution

Eighty percent of pollution to the marine environment comes from the land. One of
the biggest sources is called nonpoint source pollution, which occurs as a result of runoff.
Nonpoint source pollution includes many small sources, like septic tanks or sewerage
systems can enter the ocean directly; this is often how minerals and substances from
mining camps find their way into the ocean. The release of other chemical nutrients into
the oceans ecosystem leads to a reduction in oxygen levels, the decay of plant life, a
severe decline in the quality of water itself.

Toxic chemicals from industries, Industrial and agricultural waste are another most
common form of wastes that are directly discharged into the ocean. The dumping of toxic
liquids in the ocean directly affects the marine life as they are considered hazardous and
secondly, they raise the temperature of the ocean, known as thermal pollution. Land
Runoff is another source, this occurs when water infiltrates the soil to its maximum extent
and the excess water from the rain, flooding or melting floes over the land and into the
ocean. Often times, this water picks up man-made, harmful contaminants that pollute the
ocean, including fertilizers, petroleum, pesticides and other forms of soil contaminants.
Fertilizers and waste from land animals and humans can be a huge detriment to the ocean
by creating dead zones.

Large scale oil spills are a huge source of ocean pollution, the most devastating.
Crude oil lasts for years in the sea and is extremely toxic for marine life, often suffocating
marine animals to death. It is also very difficult to clean up, unfortunately meaning that
when it is spilt; it is usually there to stay.

Ocean mining in the deep sea is yet another source. Ocean mining sites drilling
for silver, gold, copper, cobalt and zinc creates sulfide deposits up to three and a half
thousand meters down in to the ocean. While they have yet the gathering of scientific
evidence to fully explain the harsh environmental impacts of deep sea mining, they do
have a great idea that deep sea mining causes damage to the lowest levels of the ocean
and increase toxicity of the region.
 Littering pollution from the atmosphere. This occurs when objects that are far
inland are blown by the wind over long distances and end up in the ocean. Others directly
throw their garbage in bodies of water like ships and factories. These objects can be
anything from natural things like dust and sand, to man-made objects such as debris and
trash. Most debris, especially plastic cannot decompose and remain suspended in the
ocean current for years. Animals can become snagged on the plastic or mistake it for food,
slowly killing them over a long period of time. Some animals who are most often the victims
of plastic debris includes turtles, dolphins, fish, sharks, crabs, sea birds, and crocodiles.

Effects of Pollution in the Marine Environment

Effects of toxic wastes on the marine animals, Oil spills are dangerous to marine
life in several ways. The oil spilled in the ocean could get on to the gills and feathers of
marine animals, which makes it difficult for them to move properly. The long-term effects
on marine life can include cancer, failure in the reproductive system, behavioral changes,
and even death.

Disruption to the cycle of coral reefs, Oil spill floats on the surface of water and
prevents sunlight from reaching to marine plants and affects in the process of
photosynthesis. Cooling water from power plants and industrial sites can also kill corals
and other sedentary species. Depletes oxygen content in water, most of the debris in the
ocean does not decompose and remain in the ocean for years. It uses oxygen as it
degrades, as a result of this, oxygen levels go down. When oxygen levels go down, the
chances of survival of marine animals like whales, turtle, sharks, dolphins, penguins for
long time also goes down.

Failures in the reproductive system of sea animals, Industrial and agricultural

wastes include various poisonous chemicals that are considered hazardous for marine
life. Chemicals from pesticides can accumulate in the fatty tissue of animals, leading to
failure in their reproductive system.

Effects on food chain, chemicals used in industries and agriculture get washed into
the river and from there carried into the ocean. These chemicals do not get dissolved and
sink at the bottom of the ocean. Small animals ingest these chemicals and are later eaten
by a large animal, which then affect the whole food chain.
 Affects human health, discarded nuclear submarine and military wastes are hot
spots for radio activity and can also enter food chains animals impacted are then eaten by
humans which affect their health as toxins from these contaminated animals gets
deposited in the tissues of people and can lead to cancer, birth defects or long-term health
problems.

Responsible in Polluting the Water Resources

INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES - Industries produce huge amount of waste which

contains toxic chemicals and pollutants which can cause air pollution and damage to us
and our environment. They contain pollutants such as lead, mercury, Sulphur, asbestos,
nitrates and many other harmful chemicals. Many industries do not have proper waste
management system and drain the waste in the fresh water which goes into rivers, canals
and later in to sea. The toxic chemicals have the capability to change the color of water,
increase the amount of minerals, also known as Eutrophication, change the temperature
of water and pose serious hazard to water organisms.

HOUSES - The sewage and waste water that is produced by each household is
chemically treated and released in to sea with fresh water. The sewage water carries
harmful bacteria and chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Pathogens are
known as a common water pollutant; The sewers of cities house several pathogens and
thereby diseases. Microorganisms in water are known to be causes of some very deadly
diseases and become the breeding grounds for other creatures that act like carriers.
These carriers inflict these diseases via various forms of contact onto an individual. A very
common example of this process would be Malaria.

MINERS - Mining is the process of crushing the rock and extracting coal and other
minerals from underground. These elements when extracted in the raw form contains
harmful chemicals and can increase the number of toxic elements when mixed up with
water which may result in health problems. Mining activities emit several metal wastes
and sulphides from the rocks and is harmful for the water.

OIL COMPANIES - Oil spill pose a huge concern as large amount of oil enters into
the sea and does not dissolve with water; there by opens problem for local marine wildlife
such as fish, birds and sea otters. For e.g.: a ship carrying large quantity of oil may spill
oil if met with an accident and can cause varying damage to species in the ocean
depending on the quantity of oil spill, size of ocean, toxicity of pollutant.
 FARMERS - Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used by farmers to protect
crops from insects and bacteria's. They are useful for the plants growth. However, when
these chemicals are mixed up with water produce harmful for plants and animals. Also,
when it rains, the chemicals mix up with rainwater and flow down into rivers and canals
which pose serious damages for aquatic animals.

FISHERMAN - Humans living near the coast have probably always used the ocean
as a source of food. However, with advances in fishing equipment, larger ships and new
tracking technologies, many fish stocks around the world have reduced significantly. Fish
stocks on continental shelf areas are now widely considered to be fully or over exploited.
Aside from reducing fish stocks, unsustainable fishing practices can have other negative
impacts on the marine environment. For example, some fishing techniques such as
dredging and trawling can cause widespread damage to marine habitats and organisms
living on the sea floors. These techniques also often capture non-target species (known
as bycatch) that are then discarded.

ANIMALS - The waste produce produced by animals is washed away into the
rivers when it rains. It gets mixed up with other harmful chemicals and causes various
water borne diseases like cholera, diarrhea, jaundice, dysentery and typhoid.

The Aftermath of Marine Pollution to:

HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT - The oceans are mankinds lifeline, they are
the lifeblood of earths ecosystems and without them, we would not be here today. The
worlds Global Ocean covers over 71% of the planets surface. It is so grand that it has
been divided into 5 individual oceans, all of which are connected.

Throughout history, the thought was, that the ocean is so large, that dumping huge
amount of rubbish, would not affect us or the oceans, however little did they know how it
would affect us in modern times. Even to this day, it is recorded that humans dump
approximately 8 million tons of plastic into the ocean every year. Over the past few
decades, the speed of which the oceans are suffering has accelerated, this is due to oil
spills, plastic and toxic waste being pumped into the oceans at an alarming rate.

Plastic is the biggest killer of marine life, in 2010, over 215 million metric tons of
plastic had found its way into the oceans. Not only is plastic harmful for the environment,
it is also mistaken for food by marine wildlife. It takes on average 400 years for plastics to
degrade in the ocean. The largest source of pollution found in the ocean, comes directly
from land-based sources. These include, factories, farms, vehicles, sewage tanks, as well
as much larger industrial operations. The chemicals produced by these sources include;
oil, petrochemicals, asbestos, lead, phosphates, mercury and nitrates all of which can
severely impact both marine life as well as our food chains. We as humans consume over
14% of our protein, from fish.

Even though, the dumping of waste takes place hundreds of miles away from land,
the ocean has a funny way of spitting it out again. However, this trash ends up on our
beaches and coastal areas and has a huge effect on the coral and wildlife that it comes
into contact with, on its journey to these places. This buildup of pollution on the beach can
also affect humans. Coming into contact or mistakenly ingesting the water surrounding
this pollution can result in some nasty side effects such as stomach-aches, diarrhea or
even skin rashes. Did you know that there is a floating Garbage Island also known as the
Pacific Garbage Patch or the Pacific Trash Vortex, which is located in the north Pacific,
just off the coast of California? It is the largest oceanic rubbish patch in the world.

Crude oil is the most dangerous and fastest cause of oceanic deterioration.
However, only 12% of oil entering our oceans comes from oil spills. 36% of the oil found
in our oceans actually comes from land run-off, and it is this, that is causing most damage
to oceanic ecosystems. Crude oil can suffocate marine life, cause disorientation and
poisoning if ingested. To those creatures that survive, this can cause long-term issues
which may result in them never returning to their natural habitats.

Toxic metals also pour into the oceans, from surface run-off. These metals can
destroy the biochemistry, reproductive systems and behavior of marine life. Plastics and
plankton can absorb these toxic metals. Unfortunately, smaller sea creatures mistake
these toxic plastics for food, or eat their regular diet of plankton. Once they have ingested
these plastics or infected plankton, the food chain then continues, meaning that larger fish
then consume the smaller creatures, which then ends with those larger fish being eaten
by humans and so, pollution directly affects each and every one of us. Mankind has a
direct impact on what happens off shore and what could be a tiny mistake can be
detrimental to the health and safety of life on earth. Mercury is one of these toxic metals
found in the ocean and for humans, having a prolonged exposure to mercury can cause
all sorts of neurological and systemic diseases; these include Parkinsons disease,
Alzheimers and heart disease.

MARINE ANIMALS - Oil spill is dangerous to marine life in several ways. The oil
spilled in the ocean could get on to the gills and feathers of marine animals, which makes
it difficult for them to move or fly properly or feed their children. The long-term effect on
marine life can include cancer, failure in the reproductive system, behavioral changes, and
even death.

CORAL REEFS - Oil spill floats on the surface of water and prevents sunlight from
reaching to marine plants and affects in the process of photosynthesis. Skin irritation, eye
irritation, lung and liver problems can impact marine life over long period of time.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Marine Pollution

Large Scale Solutions for Marine Pollution

Marine pollution is a major threat to both marine life and ocean ecosystems.
Changes can be made on global and individual scales to make a big impact towards
preserving the oceans and saving its marine inhabitants. It's hard to clean up mass
pollution once it has occurred, so the best plan is prevention. Several changes can take
place to help keep industry in check and encourage sustainable practices across the globe
such as:

Stricter government regulations on industry and manufacturing is one large scale

solution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has enacted several laws to help
protect beaches, reduce pollution from ships, reduce marine debris, and prohibit ocean
dumping.

Implement renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, to limit off-
shore drilling. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tracks
renewable ocean energy projects and offers analysis on how renewable energy can
impact oceans throughout the United States.

Limit agricultural pesticides and encourage organic farming and eco-friendly

pesticide use. There are several federal laws and regulations that help prevent the sale
and use of substandard pesticides. The Endangered Species Act requires federal
agencies to evaluate the impact of pesticides on endangered species and their habitats,
including those in the ocean.
 Proper sewage treatment and exploration of eco-friendly wastewater treatment
options, such as recycling sewage sludge to carbon-phosphorous fertilizer, are other
solutions. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA offers assistance for recycling biosolids
and regulates sewage sludge to help minimize metal concentrations in water. Cut down
on industry and manufacturing waste and contain landfills so they don't spill into the ocean.

Changes You Can do at Home

Some of the best solutions for marine pollution starts with you. Even if you live in
a place that is landlocked, your actions still affect the ocean's health. By simple proper
segregation of your garbage you can make a difference. You've probably heard a lot about
adopting a "green" lifestyle. Most of these basic principles also apply in protecting the
oceans.

Help Reduce Ground Leaching - take these steps to help reduce the amount of
chemicals and toxic materials from leaching into the ground and ultimately, the ocean:
Reduce your use of fertilizers and avoid using chemical pesticides in your yard. Eat
organic whenever possible to help ultimately limit the demand for chemical pesticides.
Clean your home with lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar instead of toxic cleaners.
Properly dispose of motor oil, light bulbs, medications, and other hazardous items.

Reduce Carbon Emissions - according to NOAA, carbon emissions lead to ocean

acidification which harms some types of marine life. Reduce your carbon footprint by:
Carpooling, walking, or riding a bike and using high-efficiency appliances. Carry a
reusable shopping bag instead of plastic bags. Store food in reusable containers instead
of those you throw away. Avoid products that come with excess packaging. Do not litter
anywhere throw your garbage properly. Lastly, the famous 3R's - reduce, reuse, and
recycle.

2. Analysis of Data

Small Changes with Big Impacts

Oceans are resilient, but not indestructible. If they're to last for generations to
come, humans must work together to reduce pollution and its impact. According to the
famous line "Prevention is better than cure". The best way to fight marine pollution is to
educate yourself on its causes and make small changes at home, so start to reduce your
carbon footprint, conserve energy and be mindful. It's never too late to work to improve
the ocean's health. Everyone should work together as for everyone's benefit.

We have so much to thank the oceans for. The oceans provide over 70% of the
oxygen that we breathe as well as over 97% of the worlds water supply. The oceans are
also home to some of the most magnificent wildlife and plants in the world. Medical
scientists have studied certain marine plants and have found that they have helped to
reduce inflammation, pain and have even been known to help combat certain types of
cancers, in humans.

CHAPTER III: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Summary

This study explains how pollution affects the marine environment. The marine
pollution is of three kinds - the land based, air based and by maritime transportation. The
land-based pollutants are industrial wastes from the discharged of untreated waters of the
industries, fertilizer and pesticide run off from agriculture, municipals sewerage by the
increase in population. Another factor is the use of plastics, it contributes to the marine
pollution as debris. Accidental oil spills, and negligence of the transporters of the oil have
a dangerous impact in the marine life. Birds, marine species and other organisms
mistakenly ate these garbage's and starved to death. Some were entangled with these
bunch of plastics. Swimmers are also affected by infectious diseases and toxin-related
illness swimming across bodies of water. The indigenous organisms that may have
increased in number or virulence as a result of ecologic imbalance can cause negative
health effects. Coral reefs and mangroves which are very much necessary for the
environment are deteriorated by man in pursuance of economic development. They are
to be protected.

Pollution is the introduction of harmful contaminants that are outside the norm for a
given ecosystem. Common man-made pollutants that reaches the ocean includes
pesticide, herbicides, chemical fertilizer, detergents, oil, and sewage. Plastic and other
solid are also a cause of marine pollution. There are major sources of pollutants that cause
marine pollution. First, the non-point source pollution that came from septic tanks, and
sewages which releases a harmful chemical and directly enter to the ocean that cause to
the reduction of the oxygen level, decay the plant life, and decline the quality of sea water.
Second, the land runoff which pick up soils that contains toxic chemical such as fertilizer,
and waste from the animals that could easily harm the marine organism, this kind of
situation only happen due to a heavy rain that causes flood and landslides. Third, the
largescale oil spill which can actually damage the large portion of Earth's hydrosphere and
the life the organism living on it. Fourth, the deep ocean mining where damages the
seabed due to the excessive mining of the earth minerals from the deep surface of the
ocean, it also leads to the increase of toxicities in the region. Lastly, the littering pollutants,
it is the improper segregation of garbage. It came from the vessels that pass by the ocean;
plastic is the main object that harms the marine organism.

2. Conclusions

If pollution continues many marine species will become inedible and extinct in
number. It could also have a toxic effect on the organisms themselves, affecting their
behavior, and with top predators being the most affected. Pollution in the oceans will
directly affect marine organisms but indirectly affect human health and resources. When
pollutants in enormous amounts are added to a body of water the waters free oxygen
supply is depleted killing off beneficial organisms.

The water is no longer self-cleansing, other forms of life die out, and it eventually
becomes biologically dead. Some pollutants are non-biodegradable. Examples are certain
pesticides, agricultural fertilizers, radioactive material, oil charges from ships and boats,
and various chemicals. Two chemical pollutants make a reaction causing acid rain. The
two pollutants are nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide.

Many pollutants are released into the environment way upstream away from
coastlines. Nitrogen rich fertilizers used by farmers inland and end up in rivers, ground
water, and local streams and are eventually dumped into estuaries, bays, and deltas.
Scientist have counted 400 such dead zones around the world. Now you know about
marine pollution. So, are you going to help?

3. Recommendations
 In order to combat the marine pollution, we may recommend the following ideas,
measures and actions that may impact in preventing the pollution in the marine
environment. Regulate the industries and manufacturing company is an example of large
scale solution. Enact several laws to help protect beaches, reduce pollution from ships,
reduce marine debris, and prohibit ocean dumping. Implement renewable energy sources,
such as wind or solar power. Limit agricultural pesticides and encourage organic farming
and eco-friendly pesticide use. Proper sewage treatment and exploration of eco-friendly
wastewater treatment options, such as recycling sewage sludge to carbon-phosphorous
fertilizer, are other solutions.

We can also help to save the marine environment even in our own place. One of
the best solutions for marine pollution starts with us. Our actions still affect the ocean's
health. By simple proper segregation of your garbage you can make a difference. Help
Reduce Ground Leaching - take these steps to help reduce the amount of chemicals and
toxic materials from leaching into the ground and ultimately, the ocean: Reduce your use
of fertilizers and avoid using chemical pesticides in your yard. Eat organic whenever
possible to help ultimately limit the demand for chemical pesticides. Clean your home with
lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar instead of toxic cleaners. Properly dispose of motor
oil, light bulbs, medications, and other hazardous items.

Reduce your carbon emissions since it leads to ocean acidification which harms
some types of marine life. Reduce your carbon footprint by: Carpooling, walking, or riding
a bike and using high-efficiency appliances. Carry a reusable shopping bag instead of
plastic bags. Store food in reusable containers instead of those you throw away. Avoid
products that come with excess packaging. Do not litter anywhere throw your garbage
properly. Lastly, the famous 3R's - reduce, reuse, and recycle. These are just a few, truly
small actions but has a big impact in the future. So, start to be environmentally responsible
now!
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http://www.planetaid.org/blog/how-ocean-pollution-affects-humans, September 11, 2017

NOAA, "What is the biggest source of pollution in the ocean?"

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/pollution.html, September 11, 2017

SLH, "Human impacts on marine environments"

https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/144-human-impacts-on-marine-
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http://www.gdrc.org/oceans/marine-pollution.html, September 12, 2017