Coastal Sewage Impact Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What primarily causes the increased frequency of raw sewage entering coastal waters in the UK?

Regular maintenance of sewage systems

Increased population along the coast

The treatment plants are not effective

Increasing rainfall and storm incidences (correct)

Which pollutants are commonly found in untreated domestic sewage?

Waste water and solids, including detergents (correct)

Only organic matter and fibers

Sewage sludge and chemicals only from kitchens

Heavy metals and pharmaceuticals

What is a common impact of untreated sewage discharge on coastal health?

No noticeable impact on the coast

Enhances water clarity and quality

It improves marine ecosystem health

Increased health risks for humans and ecological damage (correct)

What legacy issue is mentioned regarding sewage discharge prior to 1990 in the UK?

High levels of untreated sewage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component typically found in discharged raw sewage?

Fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

What current major pollution problem facing the oceans is emphasized in the content?

Plastic and micro-plastic pollution Signup and view all the answers

In which areas are the effects of marine pollution often the worst?

Confined coastal areas like estuaries and bays Signup and view all the answers

What impact does pollution have on coral reefs according to the content?

It lowers their ability to withstand other stressors. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is NOT mentioned as a method for effectively tackling marine pollution?

Increasing urban development near coastlines Signup and view all the answers

What type of areas are highlighted as posing special challenges concerning marine pollution?

Non-tidal seas and semi-confined areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a key strategy mentioned for reducing marine pollution?

Recycling and innovative waste management Signup and view all the answers

How is the literature on marine pollution characterized in the content?

Abundant and comprehensive Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a direct consequence of marine pollution mentioned in the content?

Improved air quality in coastal areas Signup and view all the answers

What does global warming primarily result from?

Increased levels of greenhouse gases Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is a direct consequence of the ocean absorbing excess heat?

Melting of ice caps Signup and view all the answers

How does climate change affect marine ecosystems?

It alters distribution, abundance, and physiology of marine organisms Signup and view all the answers

What major effect of global warming is often hidden from public view?

Ocean acidification Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a result of increased global temperatures?

Hurricanes becoming less frequent Signup and view all the answers

What role do greenhouse gases play in global warming?

They trap heat in the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What has been a visual indication of global warming over the years?

Changes in the distribution and seasonality of polar ice Signup and view all the answers

What potential long-term effect does climate change pose for maritime countries?

Increased precipitation and flooding Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that small fish accumulate DDT in their bodies?

They consume copepods that have accumulated DDT. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following marine organisms showed high sensitivity to DDT and other organochlorines?

Pelicans Signup and view all the answers

What major consequence did DDT have on seabirds in the early 1970s?

Thinning of the eggshells causing breakage. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant effect of tributyltin (TBT) pollution on dog whelks?

Development of male sexual characteristics in females. Signup and view all the answers

Why were dog whelks important in assessing TBT pollution levels?

They remain in the same habitat and show sensitivity to TBT. Signup and view all the answers

What action was taken regarding the use of DDT in many countries after its harmful effects were recognized?

It was completely banned. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main uses of tributyltin (TBT) from the 1960s to the 1990s?

As an anti-fouling paint for ships. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer?

Release of chlorine from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) Signup and view all the answers

Why is ozone depletion most pronounced over the Antarctic?

Concentration of CFCs and chlorine due to unique climatic conditions Signup and view all the answers

What remains a concern regarding the use of biocides like TBT today?

They can cause unpredictable long-term environmental effects. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Montreal Protocol implemented in 1987?

Phased out production and use of CFCs and ozone-depleting substances Signup and view all the answers

What is predicted regarding the condition of the ozone layer by approximately 2060?

A complete return to pre-1980s conditions is anticipated Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of ozone depletion?

Increased phytoplankton productivity in ocean waters Signup and view all the answers

Which event is classified as the world's worst nuclear accident?

Chernobyl nuclear reactor explosion Signup and view all the answers

What was a major source of radiation pollution in the Irish Sea?

Cooling water discharge from Sellafield Nuclear Power Station Signup and view all the answers

What radioactive contaminant is used as a tracer for ocean currents in Scotland?

Caesium-137 Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern regarding the atolls in the South Pacific?

They might collapse and release radioactivity. Signup and view all the answers

What international action was taken regarding ocean disposal of radioactive waste?

It was banned in the early 1990s. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following radioactive materials is NOT mentioned as a main contaminant?

Radon-222 Signup and view all the answers

What event caused significant damage to the Fukushima Daiichi plant in 2011?

A tsunami triggered by an earthquake Signup and view all the answers

How is low-level radioactive waste primarily released into the ocean?

Via cooling water discharges from coastal nuclear plants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human Impacts on the Oceans: Problems, Mitigation, and Conservation

Ocean resources are being impacted at a near-limit capacity
Fishing practices are exceeding sustainable levels
Marine pollution encompasses various substances released by human activities harming marine organisms and ecosystems.
These include smothering, entanglement, poisoning, interference with behavior, and changes in productivity
Noise is increasingly recognized as a form of pollution with adverse effects on marine mammals.
Waste disposal, including sewage, domestic waste, and industrial waste, poses significant problems
Plastic and micro-plastics are contributing to wide-scale pollution
The capacity of the oceans to absorb and process human-generated waste is being exceeded.

Capacity of the 'Ocean Dump'

Human societies have traditionally disposed of waste by dumping it into bodies of water
With low population densities, natural decay processes were sufficient
Increasing populations and industrialization led to exceeding the capacity of the natural systems for waste disposal
This caused increasing environmental problems, especially with persistent substances like DDT and PCBs, which remain in the environment for extended periods.
The capacity of the oceans to deal with sewage and other organic waste is being exceeded.

Chief Routes of Entry of Marine Pollutants

Drainage from coastal towns and industries
Discharge of industrial effluents, treated sewage, and cooling water into rivers and estuaries
Runoff from agricultural land and large-scale clearance of rainforests
Illegal and legal dumping of dredged and mined materials
Accidental events such as shipwrecks and cargo loss
Airborne pollutants dissolved in rainfall or carried as dust particles.

Persistence of Pollutants

The persistence of pollutants in the marine environment has long-term implications for marine life and ecosystems.
Pollutants may require extensive periods for biodegradation, leading to ongoing environmental risks
Transient pollutants degrade quickly
Moderately persistent pollutants take months to decompose
Very persistent pollutants persist much longer, gradually accumulating.
Virtually permanent pollutants (e.g. plastics) remain indefinitely.

Radioactive Pollution

Radioactive materials enter the ocean from weapon testing, accidents, and the nuclear industry.
Low-level radioactive wastes are released from coastal nuclear plants
Effects of radioactive pollutants on marine life, potentially causing genetic disturbances, and elevated mortality in various life stages are complex and need further study.

Thermal Pollution

Warm effluents from coastal power plants can raise water temperatures in bays and estuaries and sometimes lead to reduced oxygen levels.

Ocean Acidification

Increased atmospheric CO2 dissolves in the ocean, resulting in decreased pH, which is known as ocean acidification.
This has negative impacts on marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells.
The ocean's ability to absorb CO2 is impacted by rising global temperatures, exacerbating the problem.

Sea Level Rise & Melting Ice Caps

Melting glaciers, ice caps, and thermal expansion of water due to global warming cause sea level rise.
Global average sea levels have risen up to 3.6 mm/year since the early 1900s
Predictions for future rates of sea level rise are difficult to estimate but it is expected at least 400-800cm by the end of the 21st century if GHG emissions are not controlled.

Warming Oceans and Key Ecosystems

Coral bleaching, a loss of symbiotic algae from coral reefs, is linked to rising ocean temperatures, impacting coral reef diversity.
Changes in ocean temperatures alter distribution and populations of marine organisms.

Marine Protected Areas

MPAs have various degrees of protection for different species and habitats
Global efforts are underway to create effective networks of MPAs to combat escalating biodiversity loss and to achieve greater conservation targets in the marine environment
Coastal zone management (CZM) involves considering coastal area development and usage, often combined with plans for managing marine protected areas.

Non-Native and Invasive Species

Non-native species introduced to new environments can displace native species and disrupt marine ecosystems.
Shipping activities are the main pathway for introducing non-native species into marine ecosystems
Several types of organisms are subject to introductions including, algae, molluscs, invertebrates, etc...

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Description

Test your knowledge on the causes and impacts of raw sewage entering coastal waters in the UK. This quiz covers common pollutants found in untreated sewage and explores historical issues related to sewage discharge. See how well you understand the environmental challenges posed by sewage in UK coastal areas.