Discuss Marine Pollution and Its Impact on Human Existence

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Question: Discuss marine pollution and its impact on human existence. Briefly discuss some of the methods used to control marine pollution. Marine Pollution (UN definition) – “The introduction by man, directly, or indirectly, of substances or energy to the marine environment resulting in deleterious effects such as: hazards to human health, hindrance to marine activities, impairment of the quality of seawater for various uses and reduction of amenities.” Types of Marine Pollution The following are types of Marine Pollution: * Sedimentation * Agricultural runoff (herbicides, pesticides and nutrients) * Energy (thermal and light) * Sewage (Faecal Coliform and nutrients) * Solid Waste * Chemicals, Metals and Radioactive Substances * Oil * Biological Impact on Human Existence Pollutants entering the Marine environment that are likely to be affecting human health fall into two major categories: microbiological pathogens, and chemical intoxicants. The microbiological constituents consist of such well-known organisms as enterobacteria, tubercle bacilli, cholera vibrios, clostridia, enteroviruses, fungi and parasites. Many diseases caused by water contamination go un-noticed because the effects take months or years to materialize. A high incidence of conditions such as specific types of cancer or miscarriages can be an indicator of regional pollution. The following conditions all have potential causes of chemical intoxicants:- Cancer, Kidney Damage & Organ Failure and Skin Irritation. If an area has both a high occurrence of the condition and the water contains high levels of any of the chemicals or minerals associated with it then pollution or other contamination may be an underlying culprit. Homes that are within the catchment of large farms, cities, industrial plants, and other sources of pollution are particularly susceptible

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