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Cumulative Impact of Environmental Pollution on Aquatic Ecosystems

Conference Paper · April 2018

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 International Erdemli Symposium 2018
http://erdemlisemp.mersin.edu.tr/
Mersin/TURKEY

Cumulative Impact of Environmental Pollution on Aquatic Ecosystems

Şükran Çakır Arıca1*, Ayşe Özyılmaz1, Sevil Demirci1
*1
Iskenderun Technical University, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, İskenderun- Hatay, Turkey
*Corresponding Author Tel.: +90 3266141693(3717), Fax.: +90 3266141877, E-posta [email protected]

Abstract

Aquatic pollution has become a global concern. Many of the pollutants that are let into the marine ecosystems are directly
or indirectly by human activities and some of these substances are biodegradable in time, but some are not. The history of
aquatic environmental pollution goes back to the very beginning of the history of human civilization. However, aquatic
pollution did not receive much attention until a threshold level was reached with adverse consequences on the ecosystems and
living organisms.

Accumulation of pollution and its negative consequences in aquatic systems from human activities have been a stepping
stone. Therefore, in the 21st century mankind finally understood the urgency of the matter and several laws and policies have
been taken in preventing marine pollution at the national and international levels.

In this study, the harmful effects of various substances pollutants (such as; fertilizers, pesticides, agrochemicals domestic
and municipal wastes and sewage sludge, oils, heavy metals, trace elements, plastics, organic compounds etc.) accumulated
on the marine environment were reviewed by collecting and studying the relevant literature. The causes of marine pollution
sources, its impacts on ecosystems and preventive measures are discussed.

Keywords: Accumulation of Pollution, Aquatic Pollution, Human Impact on Marine, Pollutants

1. Introduction accumulation of pollution ultimately in aquatic systems, in

this regard to bring the dangers to the agenda in terms of
The history of aquatic environmental pollution goes
the present situation and future.
back to the very beginning of the history of human
civilization. However, aquatic pollution did not receive
2.Environmental Pollutants
much attention until a threshold level was reached with
adverse consequences on the ecosystems and living
2.1 Agrochemicals
organisms including human (1).
Fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, hormones are the
Accumulation of pollutants and its negative
main agrochemical pollutants. All of these are the
consequences in aquatic systems from human activities
agricultural chemicals used to increase the product. Today,
have been a stepping stone. According to Gall and
population growth has increased the demand for food,
Thompson, “at least 690 species have encountered marine
which has led to an increase in the kind and quantity of
debris. At least 17% of impacted species listed on the
chemicals used to increase the product (3).
IUCN Red List as near threatened or above. 92% of the
individual encounters with marine debris related to
Agricultural areas host many different organisms, and
encounters with plastics At least 10% of the species
their soil and water quality is very important for each
encountering marine debris had ingested microplastics”.
watersheds. Since, the food obtained from these areas
Therefore, in the 21st century mankind finally understood
directly influence the health of all local living things,
the urgency of the matter and several laws and policies
including humans.
have been taken in preventing marine pollution at the
national and international levels” (2).
More importantly, agricultural areas collect a wide
variety of agrochemicals applied from adjacent fields due
The purpose of this study is to draw attention to the

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to run off, direct drift and leaching and these areas particular to generate and sustain wealth through
generally are the primary receivers of agrochemicals (4). agriculture, commercial fishing, power generation,
industry, transport and tourism, but water is vital for all
2.2 Domestic and municipal wastes and sewage global ecosystems. The importance of water for life and as
sludge, a component of the global ecosystem is becoming
Aquatic environments are pickers for anthropogenic increasingly clear. Every individual has a duty to prevent
contamination and industrial wastes and leaks, whether pollution of water resources.
chemical or solid pollutants. These can be microfibers,
plastic or non-plastic origin, detergents, heavy metals etc. Water pollution can be reduced from a personal level to
and contribute to this aquatic pollution problems. national and international level. Because, water is a basic
need for our survival and hence it should be in our best
For example, plastics have been reported as a problem interest to keep all water resources free from pollution.
in the marine environment since the 1970s but only Water is one of the world's most important resources, and
recently has the issue of plastic pollution in marine and we can all do our part to stop it from getting polluted.
freshwater environments been identified as a global Every action you take makes a difference.
problem (5). Particularly ıt has been reported that single-
use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads) are a significant There are various sources of water pollution, a range of
source of this pollution (6,7). prevention and solutions are required. The crucial
solutions to this problem ultimately come down to
Macroplastics enter the marine environment via poor personal responsibility because every one of us is
waste management. Plastics in marine environment are responsible for the pollution of water.
found as macroplastics and microplastics. Recent studies
suggest that risks of microplastics in the marine Measures of prevention and control are essential in
environment may pose more threat than macroplastics improving the quality of water and reducing the costly
(8,9)
. Enough Researches and policies to reduce pollution treatment measures that are taken to treat water.
from these sources are lacking. This issue should be
addressed at national level in each country, and co- Prevention measures and possible solutions of water
operative and joint action plans at the global level should pollution (11,12,13,14):
be passed on.
Do not throw rubbish away anyhow. Always look for
the correct waste bin. If there is none around, please take
2.3 Transportaion it home and put it in your trash can. This includes places
like the beach, riverside and water bodies.
Marine ship-source oil spill can occur as a result of ship
accidents or operations, or the intentional discharge of oily Use water wisely. Do not keep the tap running when not
wastes into oceans (10). In addition, among these causes, the in use. Also, you can reduce the amount of water you use
accidental oil spill is the primary cause responsible for in washing and bathing. If we all do this, we can
large spills such as collision. Therefore, more stringent significantly prevent water shortages and reduce the
regulations on maritime transport safety should become amount of dirty water that needs treatment.
effective to solve this problem.
Do not throw chemicals, oils, plastics, paints and
2.4 Biomagnification medicines down the sink drain, or the toilet. In many cities,
your local environment office can help with the disposal
Biological magnification often refers to the process of medicines and chemicals. Check with your local
whereby certain substances such as pesticides or heavy authorities if there is a chemical disposal plan for local
metals work their way into lakes, rivers and the ocean. residents.
Therefore they move up in the food chain in progressively
greater concentrations as they are incorporated into the diet Buy more environmentally safe cleaning liquids for use
of aquatic organisms For example, zooplanktons are at the at home and other public places. They are less dangerous
primer level of food chain including human and they are to the environment. Simple changes like using natural
eaten perhaps by fish, any pollution accumulated in them cleaning products instead of toxic ones in your home and
may affect bigger fish, large birds, animals, or humans. planting more trees and flowers in your yard can make an
important impact.

2.5 Preventive measures and some Humanistic If you use chemicals and pesticides for your gardens and
Solutions farms, be mindful not to overuse pesticides and fertilizers.
This will reduce runoffs of the chemical into nearby water
Water is a resource that not only provides basic needs sources. Start looking at options of composting and using
for the human population and is the key to development in organic manure instead.

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 International Erdemli Symposium 2018

streams and help in cleaning litter around water resources

In order to stop water pollution if you live close to a make it a habit to use recycling boxes.
water body, try to plant lots of trees and flowers around
your home, so that when it rains, chemicals from your Wash your automobiles at carwashes instead of washing
home does not easily drain into the water. it yourself. The wastewater from these carwashes are
drained into the sewer and treated which reduce the
amount of pollutants in the water.
Water quality laws regulate the amount of water
pollutants released into water and restrictions on the On a larger scale, consider speaking up against
degradation of physical, biological and chemical industries that dump waste into local streams, rivers, and
properties of water resources. They can help in protecting beach fronts to reduce water pollution in your community.
aquatic ecosystems by imposing acceptable concentrations There are also lots of organizations and groups that help
of pollutants and limiting discharges from certain sources. educate people on the dangers of water pollution. It is
always great to join these groups, because they regularly
Natural fertilizers such as peat, compost, manure should encourage other members of their communities to have a
be preferred while gardening and farming. Indigenous better attitude towards water.
plants-that are native to your location-help in reducing
water use and are economic as well. Use fertilizers wisely Implement existing environmental laws is very
and give preference to native plants. important. There are very strict laws that help minimize
water pollution. These laws are usually directed at
Proper use and dispose of chemicals and prevent industries, hospitals, schools and market areas on how to
contamination to nature. Chemicals from pesticides, dispose, treat and manage sewage. Try to be aware of
fertilizers, cleaning products etc. reach groundwater with these. Follow up as a citizen whether it is applied or not.
surface runoff. So these materials should never be dumped In addition, local authorities must be vigilant and quick
into sinks, drains and toilets. Use detergents with low or and to deal with water issues of their community to prevent
no phosphate because high phosphate content in lakes can danger.
harm fishes.
In the world, in many developed cities, waste or sewage
Control of sediments and erosion from construction treatment is very efficient, and designed to minimize
sites. On construction sites, it is a process of layering the pollution of water bodies. Become a follower of this
surface of soil with a permanent or temporary material to subject in your own close vicinity and in the country.
improve soil quality. So, sediment can be controlled by
capture of washed off soil and consequently prevent Be volunteer in nature and water related NGOs. With
pollution of nearby water resources. the help of community members, monitor and identify
pollutants in your nearby water resources and help in
Control storm water runoff. Storm water runoff is cleanup programs. With the help of community members,
created when water from rainfall and snow flow over monitor and identify pollutants in your nearby water
ground and are not absorbed. As the storm water runoff resources and help in cleanup programs.
flows over impervious surfaces, it collects debris,
sediments, chemicals and other pollutants which can have Do not dispose non-degradable products such as plastic
negative effects on the quality of water if the runoff is left bags or plastic wrappers down the drain. They end up as
untreated. litters on beach shores and impede sewage treatment
process.
Personal level measures to control water pollution.
Reduce the waste of water by turning off taps immediately Wash your automobiles at carwashes instead of washing
after use. This prevents shortages and helps in reducing the it yourself. The wastewater from these carwashes are
volume of polluted water to be treated. drained into the sewer and treated which reduce the
amount of pollutants in the water.
Properly dispose paints, chemicals, cleaning solvents,
nail polishes and oils. Fix leaky faucets and shower heads On a larger scale, consider speaking up against
to reduce water use. industries that dump waste into local streams, rivers, and
beach fronts to reduce water pollution in your community.
Decrease water resistant surfaces such as cement around There are also lots of organizations and groups that help
homes to reduce surface runoff. Vegetation, porous educate people on the dangers of water pollution. It is
materials, gravel, wood decking etc. can be used instead of always great to join these groups, because they regularly
cement. encourage other members of their communities to have a
better attitude towards water.
Avoid flushing pills and liquid medications into the
toilet. Avoid throwing garbage into lakes, rivers and Implement existing environmental laws is very

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 International Erdemli Symposium 2018

important. There are very strict laws that help minimize

water pollution. These laws are usually directed at 5-Carpenter, E.J., Smith, K.L., 1972. Plastics on the
industries, hospitals, schools and market areas on how to Sargasson sea surface. Science 175 (4027),
dispose, treat and manage sewage. Try to be aware of 1240–1241.
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In addition, local authorities must be vigilant and quick
and to deal with water issues of their community to prevent 6-Desforges, J.P., Galbraith, M., Dangerfield, N., Ross, P.S.,
2014. Widespread distribution of
danger.
microplastics in subsurface seawater in the NE Pacific Ocean.
In the world, in many developed cities, waste or sewage Mar. Pollut. Bull. 79
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subject in your own close vicinity and in the country.
7-Perkins, S., 2015. Nearly every seabird may be eating
plastic by 2050. Retrieved from.
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Aquatic habitats were contaminated with pollutants caused seabird-may-be-eatingplastic-
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accumulating feature. This situation is known to be Focazio, M., Kidd, K., ... & Tolls, J. (2018). Use of
harmful to organisms and to human health and cause for prospective and retrospective risk assessment methods that
concern for a number of reasons. Environmental chemistry simplify chemical mixtures associated with treated domestic
and ecological genotoxicology are important sub wastewater discharges. Environmental toxicology and
disciplines of science and has made significant chemistry, 37(3), 690-702.
contributions to solving a variety of problems involving
pollution and hazardous wastes.
9-Thompson, R.C., 2015. Mircoplastics in the marine
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