Research Paper on Indian Ocean Pollution

Introduction

The world's heritage is rich due to the natural features found in various places. These natural resources play an essential role in maintaining the ecosystem. The resources co-exist together with living organisms to ensure there is a balance within the ecosystem. One of the major natural resources that are evident in various parts of the world is the oceans. Oceans are a large mass of water, and they provide habitats to many living organisms such as fish and other plants. These organisms are important in the sense that they can be a source of food, especially for human beings. Furthermore, the oceans have been important since they have been used for transport services. These oceans have to be maintained in proper condition. However, some challenges are currently experienced, especially due to different human activities. The main problem that is facing these oceans is pollution from different agents. Pollution affects the condition of these oceans, making it difficult for living organisms to survive. This paper seeks to discuss the actions that the local as well as other nations to counteract pollution, the leading causes of pollution, how technology can be used to reduce plastic wastes, and whether it is influenced by the geographic location or the ocean current.

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Action Done to CounterAct Pollution

The rising case of pollution has posed a great danger to both the organism that lives in water as well as those living outside. As a result of this problem, many people, including nations, have come together to develop measures to counteract pollution and restore the ocean waters to their healthy condition. The first action that has been undertaken, especially by the locals, is to participate in beach cleaning exercises (Vikas & Dwarakish, 2015). Many people visit the beach during their vacation or trips, and in the process, they deposit a lot of waste such as papers. These individuals will not clean up the beach as they leave, and these items may be washed away into the water resulting in pollution. Therefore, the main approach that has been undertaken by the locals is to engage in beach cleanup exercises; it gets rid of the items left and can result in polluting the oceans.

The second action to counteract pollution is reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. Many nations have been lobbying for this action (Vikas & Dwarakish, 2015). Human beings use to engage in various activities that result in the emission of greenhouses gases such as burning wastes. As a result of this problem, many nations have been lobbying for the reduction of activities that result in the emission of greenhouse gasses, which causes pollution to the water bodies.

The third action that has been undertaken is recycling. Human beings use different types of items and then dispose of them immediately after that (Sigler, 2014). Disposing of these items later results in the pollution of the oceans. Therefore, people must be advised to recycle some items. For instance, if one uses a bottle for taking a drink, he or she can later use it for carrying water rather than throwing it away. This approach reduces the number of items that may lead to the pollution of water bodies.

The Main Source of Pollution

The ocean is polluted as a result of various factors. The first main source of pollution in the ocean is the inflow of chemicals. Several industries have been developed near oceans so that they can source water to use for the production of various items (Lu et al., 2015). In the process of production, these industries emit harmful chemicals that are released into the ocean without any treatment hence polluting the waters.

The second source of pollution in the Indian Ocean is agricultural activities. Humans take part in different agricultural activities. Pesticides and other chemicals are usually used to make the plant grow well. However, when it rains, these chemicals are washed away and may be deposited into the oceans. Depositing these chemicals in the Ocean pollutes the water and makes it unsafe for the survival of living creatures.

The third source of ocean pollution is oil spills. The main mode of transport that is used to transport oil from one place to another is usually through the ocean using large ships. There are some cases whereby accidents may occur, and this may result in oil spillage (Lu et al., 2015). The spilled oil usually takes more time before it is cleared, and in the process, the water gets polluted, and the living creatures beneath may not be able to access oxygen as it has been blocked.

Deep-sea mining is the fourth factor that has contributed to water pollution. Certain resources are found under the water bodies, and the only way to get them is through deep-sea mining (Stefanakis & Becker, 2016). As the process takes place, various particles are produced. These particles accumulate within the water bodies hence causing pollution.

Technology to Reduce Plastics Waste

As much as there several methods identified which can be used to reduce pollution, various techniques can be employed to help in reducing plastic wastes specifically. One of the technologies that can be used to reduce plastic waste is the internet and social media (Mohammed, Mohan & Das, 2017). Technology has led to the development of social media and the internet, which provides a platform for many people to interact. Therefore, the internet can be used to sensitize people on critical matters such as the effect of plastic waste on the oceans; hence, they will avoid dumping them carelessly.

The second technology that can be used observing ocean plastics using satellites. Satellites are located in space, but their high imaging technique allows them to be used to detect the presence of plastic waste on the ocean bodies (Mohammed, Mohan & Das, 2017). After these wastes have been identified, the relevant authorities will be aware of the areas that they need to focus on during the cleanup efforts.

The blockchain is the third type of technology that can be used to reduce plastic waste. In this case, several plastic banks are developed. The plastic bank's issue blockchains secured digital tokens given from the exchange of recycled plastics (Bing, Bloemhof-Ruwaard & Chaabane, 2015). This technique helps to reduce the number of plastics flowing into the ocean by rewarding individuals who recycle them.

The fourth technology that can be used to reduce plastic waste is artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence can be used to understand as well as predict natural systems. Therefore, the relevant authorities will be able to develop intervention plans after analyzing critical data on pollution.

Geographical Location

As much as various issues result in the pollution of water in the ocean, such as the ocean current, the geographical location also plays a critical role. Some places are located in the lower parts. Therefore, when various items are disposed of, they will flow downwards. In the process, the places that are located in the lower parts become the most affected while the upper sides remain free from pollution.

Conclusion

Concluding, it is true that pollution of oceans, such as the Indian Ocean, has been on the rise over the past few years. The Indian Oceans serve as an essential purpose for various living things. Therefore, when it is polluted, these living organisms are affected, and they may die hence the depletion of the marine heritage. The rise of this problem has inspired May locals as well as nations to come together and take various actions to reduce the pollution of the ocean. Some of the actions that have been undertaken include taking part in beach cleanup exercises, reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, and recycling. This problem has occurred due to various factors. The most common factors that have contributed to the pollution of the ocean include oil spills, deep-sea mining, agricultural activities, and the inflow of chemicals. The development of technology has come along with huge benefits towards reducing the pollution of the ocean. Different types of technology are present, and they have played a critical role, especially in reducing plastic waste. Examples of these types of technology include using satellite imaging to track the presence of plastics in water bodies, the internet, and social media to create awareness, using the blockchain to reward those who are recycling the plastics, and Artificial intelligence to track and predict the presence of plastics. Lastly, geographical location plays an essential role in the pollution of the ocean since the pollutants are likely to flow towards the lower areas.

References

Vikas, M., & Dwarakish, G. S. (2015). Coastal pollution: a review. Aquatic Procedia, 4, 381-388. Retrieved fromhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214241X15000528

Sigler, M. (2014). The effects of plastic pollution on aquatic life: current situations and future solutions. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 225(11), 2184. Retrieved fromhttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11270-014-2184-6

Lu, Y., Song, S., Wang, R., Liu, Z., Meng, J., Sweetman, A. J., & Wang, T. (2015). Impacts of soil and water pollution on food safety and health risks. Environment international, 77, 5-15. Retrieved fromhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412015000021

Stefanakis, A. I., & Becker, J. A. (2016). A review of emerging contaminants in water: classification, sources, and potential risks. In Impact of Water Pollution on human health and Environmental Sustainability (pp. 55-80). IGI Global. Retrieved fromhttps://www.igi-global.com/chapter/a-review-of-emerging-contaminants-in-water/140170

Mohammed, M., Mohan, M., Das, A., Johnson, M. D., Badwal, P. S., McLean, D., & Gibson, I.(2017, January). A low carbon footprint approach to the reconstitution of plastics into3D-printer filament for enhanced waste reduction. In DesTech 2016: Proceedings of theInternational Conference on Design and Technology (pp. 234-241). Knowledge E.Retrieved from http://dro.deakin.edu.au/view/DU:30091546

Bing, X., Bloemhof-Ruwaard, J., Chaabane, A., & van der Vorst, J. (2015). Global reverse supply chain redesign for household plastic waste under the emission trading scheme.Journal of cleaner production, 103, 28-39. Retrieved fromhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652615001328