Deep Sea Pollution – The Silent Killer Of Aquatic Life

Pollution of the deep-sea regions is termed as deep sea pollution. Most environmental wastes like sludge, sewage, and fly ash from power stations, spoils from harbors, packaged foods, and hazardous organic substances make their way to the sea floor over a period of time. This causes pollution of the sea floor and contaminates the entire deep-sea region.

The major source of contamination of deep-sea areas results from the dumping of organic wastes, industrial discharge, poor sewage systems, surface run-off containing insecticides, pesticides and detergents, surface run-off comprising spilled petroleum, surface run-off from under-construction sites, acid rain, and leakage from underground storage tanks.

Ships are also a major cause of deep-sea pollution as spills from oil tankers and emission of harmful gases all make their way towards deep-sea areas. This leads to the spread of harmful algae and disrupts natural life.

Even though man-made disturbances are responsible to a great extent for deep-sea pollution, certain natural disturbances can also accelerate this phenomenon. Natural factors include natural phenomena such as storms, volcanoes, earthquakes, and algae booms. These natural conditions are known to cause significant changes in water quality and in the ecological water status.

Discharge of various harmful substances, chemicals and pathogens in water bodies leads to deposits of heavy and toxic metals such as nitrates, phosphates, and sulfur dioxide on the sea floor over a period of time. The influx of organic wastes forces high oxygen demands on water bodies, causing depletion of environmental oxygen. Industrial discharges that comprise heavy metals and toxic substances can have thermal effects and contribute to oxygen depletion.

Surface run-offs comprising silt can restrict the penetration of sunlight leads to inhibited photosynthesis in aquatic plants, and destroys various species of deep-sea flora. The discharge of pathogens into the sea can lead to several water-borne diseases in human beings and animals.

The gradual build-up of organic toxins and other destructive substances can adversely affect the tolerance of deep-sea organisms, leading to a reduction in their diversity and numbers. Such a reduction can have disastrous consequences on the original aquatic ecosystem.

As a result of the contamination of water bodies, there may be a complete change in the physical chemistry of water. Contaminated water may become prone to acidity, eutrophication, and temperature changes.

It is high time that we realize the magnitude of the problem and take significant steps to control and preempt it. We should direct research towards the attainment of a better understanding of the interactions of deep-sea organisms with their environment, closely monitor the potentially harmful effects of deep-sea pollution and plan a strategy for the proper management of our precious deep-sea resources in future.

Only such a complete program focused on research, monitoring, and planning can help to fight the growing threat of deep sea pollution. Of specific significance in this regard is the threat due to radioactivity posed by nuclear waste dumped into oceans.