Ship Emissions with Hazardous Substances Threaten Marine Environment [Study]

The marine environment is a complex network of habitats containing different life forms and ecosystems under the protection of its depth, away from some chaos found in the terrestrial landscape. However, it is also vulnerable to external threats like ocean warming driven by climate change and global warming, as well as pollutants coming from human activities, such as drilling, industrial waste, and ship emissions.

For more than 100 years, scientists have observed a significant increase in marine pollution as a result of the said anthropogenic factors. Such pollutants have resulted in the deaths of some marine animals and even coral reef systems. While mitigation efforts are underway, the pollution in the world's oceans is expected to increase if current activities continue.

In relation to the environmental issue, a new study led by scientists in Sweden feared that the marine environment is at risk, even due to ship emissions alone. The new research said the combined emissions of metals and other hazardous substances from the vessels pose life-threatening, disruptive risks to our waters.

In addition to the shipping industry, scientists in previous years have discovered several factors that contribute to marine pollution. Current evidence only shows that the combination of these marine-damaging anthropogenic and natural factors can lead to the potential decrease or extinction of certain marine species.

Marine Pollution

The shipping industry accounts for more than 90% of trade across the world, with the support of 90,000 marine vessels that greatly contributes to global pollution and climate change. Studies indicate that the said sector is responsible for large quantities of harmful pollutants, in addition to nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxides, according to the website Marine Insight.

Marine pollution is a general issue, with marine plastic debris and industrial-based sewer contaminants adding to the problem. Yet, research shows that emissions from the industry are far-reaching not only to shallow parts of the marine environment but also to deeper areas.

Ship Emissions

According to the non-profit conservation organization Oceana, shipping pollution occurs since large vessels produce carbon dioxide emissions which contribute significantly to the global climate crisis and acidification. As a result, the shipping industry has a massive contribution to the climate emergency, the organization adds.

In the study published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, researchers from the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden estimated the contaminant load of ship emissions into the marine environment in four ports. The research team found water discharged from the vessels' scrubbers, whose purpose is to purify their exhaust gases, is responsible for over 90% of the contaminants.

The team emphasized that a single ship is responsible for varying types of emissions, including greywater and blackwater. This means that discharges from drains, showers, toilets, and other emission outlets pose environmental risks in ports, as cited by Phys.org. With this, the team calls for action in regulating ship emissions to save the marine environment.