Coastal Sewage Impact Quiz

The contamination of ocean waters by harmful substances, such as oil spills, sewage, and plastics.

Marine pollution can damage marine habitats, harm marine life, and even affect human health.

A major threat to marine ecosystems, plastic waste accumulates in the ocean, breaks down into microplastics, and poses risks to marine life.

Polluted coral reefs are weakened and more susceptible to damage from other stressors like warming waters.

Addressing marine pollution requires a multi-pronged approach: reducing waste at the source, promoting recycling, and using sustainable energy sources.

Reducing the amount of waste we generate and finding innovative solutions to reuse and recycle materials.

Using energy sources that have minimal impact on the environment, like solar and wind power, can help reduce pollution.

These drains are designed to release excess rainwater into the sea during heavy storms to prevent flooding. However, they can also discharge untreated sewage, polluting coastal waters.

Considering the end fate of products and their materials during design can help minimize pollution throughout the product's life cycle.

The process of cleaning sewage before it is released into the environment. This usually involves removing harmful bacteria, chemicals, and solids.

Harmful substances found in untreated sewage. These can include detergents, chemicals, plastics, metals, and organic matter.

The long-term effects of untreated sewage discharge into the environment. This includes persistent contamination from harmful substances that remain for a long time.

Untreated sewage can harm marine life, pollute coastal waters, and create risks to human health.

The gradual increase in the Earth's average temperature, primarily caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The process where certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, warming the Earth.

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

The increasing acidity of ocean waters due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The loss of color in coral reefs due to stress caused by factors like warming waters and ocean acidification.

Global warming affects marine animals and plants by altering their habitats, food sources, and distribution patterns.

The increase in the average global sea level caused by the melting of glaciers and ice sheets and the expansion of ocean water due to warming.

The long-term shift in global weather patterns and climate conditions caused by various factors, including global warming.

Atmospheric fallout from nuclear weapon testing releases radioactive material into the ocean.

Discharges, leaks, and accidents at nuclear power plants contribute to radioactive pollution in the ocean.

A major nuclear accident in 2011 that released significant radiation into the Pacific Ocean due to tsunami damage.

The primary radioactive contaminants in the ocean are strontium-90, caesium-137, and plutonium-239.

Coastal nuclear power plants around the world release low-level radioactive waste into the ocean.

A major source of radioactive pollution in the Irish Sea, with high levels of discharge in the 1970s.

The non-naturally occurring element caesium-137 is used to track ocean currents.

In the past, highly dangerous radioactive waste was dumped into the deep ocean in sealed containers.

Zooplankton, like copepods, consume phytoplankton contaminated with DDT and accumulate it in their bodies, unable to break it down or excrete it.

DDT, a pesticide, caused thinning of eggshells in seabirds like pelicans and ospreys, leading to their eggs breaking and impacting their reproduction.

TBT, a biocide used in anti-fouling paints on boats and ships, caused significant harm to marine organisms, particularly molluscs, leading to deformities and reproductive issues.

TBT exposure caused imposex in dog whelks, a condition where females develop male sex characteristics, leading to breeding problems.

Dog whelks are used as indicators of TBT pollution because they spend their entire lives in one area, making them sensitive to changes in their environment.

TBT enters the ocean when anti-fouling paint ages, and also during hull stripping and re-painting of ships, polluting the marine environment.

While newer alternatives to TBT exist, all biocides (chemicals that kill organisms) require extensive testing to ensure they don't cause further environmental problems.

Even though DDT was banned in many countries, it still persists in the environment and continues to impact marine ecosystems due to its slow degradation.

A protective layer in the stratosphere that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is primarily composed of ozone (O3).

The thinning of the ozone layer, primarily caused by human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

An international treaty signed in 1987 to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances.

A type of ultraviolet radiation that is harmful to living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans.

Microscopic algae that form the base of the marine food web and play a vital role in producing oxygen.