Types of Ocean Pollution
Is sunscreen an ocean pollutatnt?
Yes
What type of plastic is most commonly found in the ocean?
Single use plastic
What marine life is affected by ocean pollution?
All marine life is affected ocean pollution.
Is there ocean pollution?
Yes.
What is the main contributor to ocean pollution?
Plastic and Microplastic Pollution
How many tons of plastic are produced per year?
460 million tonnes
Yes
How much of the earth's surface does the ocean cover?
Over 70%
Do maritime transportation such as cruise ships, cargo ships, and ferries, contribute to ocean pollution?
Yes
How many years does it take for single use plastics to break down in the ocean?
450 years
What type of marine animals are specifically affected by microplastics?
Filter Feeders
What are broken down plastics called?
Microplastics
How is marine pollution caused?
by air pollution from urban factories, disease-carrying bacteria from agricultural regions and the plastic we use every day
What are microplastics?
Tiny plastic particles that come from larger plastics that have broken down over time.
Why are fish considered a key link between ocean pollution and human health?
Because humans consume contaminated fish, allowing pollutants like microplastics and mercury to enter the human body through the food chain.
Physically, how does the pollutants that we throw into the ocean coming back to hurt us?
What kinds of chemicals pollute the ocean? Name at least 3
Possible answers
- Pesticides
- Herbicides
- Fertilizers
- Detergents
- Oil
- Industrial
- Chemicals
- Sewage
How does ocean pollution contribute to human health problems?
It promotes/transmits diseases to humans, leading to a public health crisis.
What role do rivers play in transporting pollutants that eventually affect marine life?
Rivers carry plastic waste and other pollutants from inland areas into the ocean.
What is one way that humans are working towards preventing or cleaning up ocean pollution?
Possible answers
- Not using single use plastics
- Using paper products instead of plastic
- Filtering plastic out of the ocean through machines