Name two ways in which human activities on land are polluting the oceans
1) Runoff from agricultural activities: Human practices such as excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can result in runoff containing these chemicals entering rivers and ultimately reaching the oceans. This runoff can cause harmful algal blooms, leading to oxygen depletion and the death of marine species. Additionally, the runoff can introduce pollutants like heavy metals and pathogens into the marine ecosystem.
2) Industrial waste and sewage discharge: Industries often release untreated or poorly treated wastewater into rivers and oceans. This wastewater may contain various pollutants, including toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and organic substances. Similarly, inadequate sewage treatment systems in many areas can result in sewage being discharged into water bodies, ultimately reaching the oceans. These pollutants can harm marine life, degrade water quality, and disrupt the balance of ecosystems.