Water pollution specifically to oil

Water pollution specifically to oil

Introduction

The ocean absorbs a great amount of carbon dioxide and pollutants, but pollution levels of our whole Earth system are reaching beyond carrying capacity. As human population has increased, so has the deterioration of the world's ocean ecosystems.Two thirds of the major cities in the world are situated along coasts, and millions of people vacation at shorelines. Pollution from developed areas drains into the ocean killing marine life, threatens human health, causes toxic algae blooms, and forces beach closures.(Carls,2005) Human pollution is destroying coral reefs and coastal habitat which are vital for breeding, food and shelter for marine species. Vast amounts of pollution are draining into our ocean waters daily from human-related activities. Ocean currents can carry pollutants far from the source of entry, and species consume and absorb them. Pollutants have caused major declines in species, and are threatening the planet's ecological stability; and therefore, our life support system.(Raloff,2000)

Sewage, toxic chemicals, pulp mill and manufacturing wastes, fertilizers, soaps, detergents, litter and refuse disposal, radioactive wastes, plastics, oil spills and leaks, runoff, and insecticides are contaminating our ocean and freshwater sources on a daily basis - far in excess of what the natural filtering and recycling systems can sustain. As some hazardous chemicals are banned worldwide and/or locally, many other new chemicals are developed that continue the harm.Excessive carbon in the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels over the last two centuries has caused increased acidity in our oceans, which is threatening ecosystems, sea creatures and their food supplies.(Michael,2008) These rising levels of acidity, along with the effects of global warming, could affect the ability of the oceans to absorb greenhouse gases. Ocean acidification has already increased the acidity of the world's oceans to a "level that is irreversible in our life times."

Discussion

Oil wastes that enter the ocean come from many sources, some being accidental spills or leaks, and some being the results of chronic and careless habits in the use of oil and oil products. Most waste oil in the ocean consists of oily stormwater drainage from cities and farms, untreated waste disposal from factories and industrial facilities, and unregulated recreational boating.(Anderson,1993)

It is estimated that approximately 706 million gallons of waste oil enter the ocean every year, with over half coming from land drainage and waste disposal; for example, from the improper disposal of used motor oil. Offshore drilling and production operations and spills or leaks from ships or tankers typically contribute less than 8 percent of the total.(Gundlach,1978) The remainder comes from routine maintenance of ships (nearly 20 percent), hydrocarbon particles from onshore air pollution (about 13 percent), and natural seepage from the seafloor (over 8 percent).

Offshore oil spills or leaks may occur during various stages of well drilling or workover and repair operations. These stages can occur while oil is being produced from offshore wells, handled, and temporarily stored; or when oil is being transported offshore, either by flowline, underwater pipeline, or ...