Marine Debris

Marine Debris
Author: James M. Coe
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 440
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1461384869

Marine debris is a global pollution problem affecting marine life, maritime commerce and environmental quality. Scientists, policymakers and the public must be knowledgeable about the source, impact and control efforts if effective solutions are to be developed. Marine Debris addresses the origin of persistent solid waste in the ocean, from urban and rural discharges to waste from ships and the recreational use of oceans. The book identifies key issues from biological, technological, economic and legal perspectives, and gives a framework for controlling each of the main sources of marine debris.

Marine Pollution

Marine Pollution
Author: Tobias N. Hofer
Publisher: Nova Publishers
Total Pages: 472
Release: 2008
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9781604562422

Marine pollution is the harmful effect caused by the entry into the ocean of chemicals or particles. An associated problem is that many potentially toxic chemical's adhere to tiny particles which are then taken up by plankton and benthos animals, most of which are either deposit or filter feeders, concentrating upward within ocean food chains. Also, because most animal feeds contain high fish meal and fish oil content, toxins can be found a few weeks later in commonly consumed food items derived from livestock and animal husbandry such as meat, eggs, milk, butter and margarine. One common path of entry by contaminants to the sea are rivers. Many particles combine chemically in a manner highly depletive of oxygen, causing estuaries to become anoxic. This book presents the latest research in the field from around the world.

Marine Anthropogenic Litter

Marine Anthropogenic Litter
Author: Melanie Bergmann
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 456
Release: 2015-06-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319165100

This book describes how man-made litter, primarily plastic, has spread into the remotest parts of the oceans and covers all aspects of this pollution problem from the impacts on wildlife and human health to socio-economic and political issues. Marine litter is a prime threat to marine wildlife, habitats and food webs worldwide. The book illustrates how advanced technologies from deep-sea research, microbiology and mathematic modelling as well as classic beach litter counts by volunteers contributed to the broad awareness of marine litter as a problem of global significance. The authors summarise more than five decades of marine litter research, which receives growing attention after the recent discovery of great oceanic garbage patches and the ubiquity of microscopic plastic particles in marine organisms and habitats. In 16 chapters, authors from all over the world have created a universal view on the diverse field of marine litter pollution, the biological impacts, dedicated research activities, and the various national and international legislative efforts to combat this environmental problem. They recommend future research directions necessary for a comprehensive understanding of this environmental issue and the development of efficient management strategies. This book addresses scientists, and it provides a solid knowledge base for policy makers, NGOs, and the broader public.

Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Microplastic Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea

Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Microplastic Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea
Author: Mariacristina Cocca
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 258
Release: 2023-10-26
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3031344553

Microplastic pollution is a global problem, and its severity only threatens to get worse. This book presents all of the most up-to-date research on microplastic pollution, identifies issues and proposes actions to be taken and solutions to be implemented in facing down this environmental threat. The book details a host of aspects related to microplastic pollution, including: causes and effects; the impact on different environments; the emerging threat of nanoplastics; detection systems for monitoring areas subject to pollution; the ramifications in regard to other types of pollutants; green approaches for the synthesis of environmentally-friendly polymers; and socio-economic and environmental impact assessment and risk analysis, including in regard to effects on the human food chain. The primary audience for the book are scientists and decision-makers from industries, international, national and local institutions, and NGOs. It offers comprehensive information on the origin of the problem, its impact on marine environments, with particular attention to the Mediterranean Sea and Coasts, and the current research activities and ongoing projects aimed at finding technical solutions to mitigate the phenomenon.

Clean Ships, Clean Ports, Clean Oceans

Clean Ships, Clean Ports, Clean Oceans
Author: Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 380
Release: 1995-09-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309176778

Marine debris is a serious environmental problem. To do its part, the United States has agreed to abide by the international treaty for garbage control at sea, known as MARPOL 73/78 Annex V. Clean Ships, Clean Ports, Clean Oceans explores the challenge of translating Annex V into workable laws and regulations for all kinds of ships and boats, from cruise ships to fishing crafts and recreational boats. The volume examines how existing resources can be leveraged into a comprehensive strategy for compliance, including integrated waste management systems and effective enforcement. Clean Ships, Clean Ports, Clean Oceans describes both progress toward and obstacles to Annex V compliance. The book covers: How shipborne garbage orignates and what happens to garbage discharged into the seas. Effects of discharge on human health, wildlife safety, and aesthetics. Differences in perspective among military, industrial, and recreational seafarers and shoreside facilities. Clean Ships, Clean Ports, Clean Oceans will be important to marine policymakers, port administrators, ship operations officers, maritime engineers, and marine ecologists.

Aquatic Pollution

Aquatic Pollution
Author: Edward A. Laws
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 688
Release: 2000-09-07
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9780471348757

A clear, straightforward presentation of concepts and issues in aquatic pollution This comprehensive introductory text presents a systematic study of pollution in oceans, lakes, streams, and underground aquifers. In a clear, straightforward style that is easily accessible to nonscientists, it describes the sources, features, and effects of thirteen different types of aquatic pollution. Fully updated to reflect current understanding and recent developments, this Third Edition of Aquatic Pollution covers every aspect of pollution associated with urban runoff, acid rain, sewage disposal, pesticides, oil spills, nutrient loading, and more. Case studies of major pollution sites such as Lake Erie, Three Mile Island, and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal help to illustrate points made in the general discussion. Important features of this new edition include: * Updated discussions of nonpoint source pollution, industrial pollution, thermal pollution, pathogens, metals, plastics, and more * New case studies of Chesapeake Bay and the Exxon Valdez * Beginning-of-chapter outlines * End-of-chapter study questions * New special section on units of measurement * Four chapters on the fundamentals of ecology and toxicology Aquatic Pollution, Third Edition, is a first-rate teaching and learning tool for courses in environmental science, zoology, oceanography, biology, and civil or sanitary engineering. It is also an excellent primer for policymakers and activists focused on environmental issues.