'Out of the entire electric industry, coal-fired power plants contribute 96% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 93% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 88% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 99% of mercury emissions' (4). The Sierra Club identifies coal burning power plants as major contributors to air pollution. Green Peace suggests sustainable waste management as an alternative to industrial incinerators.

If current trends persist, one third of the world’s reefs will be destroyed within two decades.The incinerators produce a cocktail of toxic chemicals that can cause cancer, heart disease, respiratory problems, immune system defect, increased allergies and birth defects' (3). It is estimated that ten percent of the world’s coral reefs, which support about one-third of the world’s marine fish have been already severely degraded. Coastal Environments:Ĭoastal marine environments are showing signs of stress from increasing pollution from shipping and mining activities and unsustainable fishing practices. Often oil tankers are involved in accidents on the sea and spill crude oil into the sea water, thereby endangering marine life. Oil leakages from corroded pipelines which cross waterways also lead to oil pollution in sea water. Sources of oil pollutants are petroleum products, cargo tankers washing at sea, accidental spillage and oil refineries near coastal areas. are responsible for increasing pollution in oceans. Recreational activities such as boating in seas, diving, fishing, etc. These tests increase the quantity of radioactive materials in oceans, thereby polluting sea water. Now-a-days many countries of the world conduct their nuclear tests in oceans. Radioactive materials are also among the major risks of causing marine pollution. Industrial wastes also alter natural composition and quality of sea water by adding colour, odour and many chemical and biological agents to it which lead to marine pollution. Industrial units set up at the banks of seashore discharge all their wastes into the sea. Move over, domestic wastes and sewage include many organic and inorganic compounds and biological compounds which cause marine pollution. Rivers also act as large- scale collectors and carriers of waste from diverse sources and off-load them into the sea. Domestic Wastes:ĭomestic waste is the main sources of marine pollution which is dumped directly into sea water. The following are the causes of marine pollution: 1.

Speech on effects of pollution