This document discusses pollution of California's coastline from various sources and its negative environmental effects. It identifies the main types of pollution as runoff from cities, trash from beach visitors, pollution from cargo ships, and air pollution. Runoff introduces bacteria that harms ecosystems and human health. Trash kills and sickens wildlife that ingest it. Cargo ship accidents cause major oil spills that damage habitats and coastlines. Air pollution produces smog that impacts both coastal and inland areas. Overall, the document examines how different types of pollution contaminate California's coast and degrade its coastal environments.
This presentation discuss about the human impact on ecosystem, planetary responses to changes and imbalance in the various ecological systems. The main cause of ecological change is the rapid increase in human population which ultimately utilize the non-renewable resources to fulfil their luxurious living standards and to discover various technologies to generate energy.
Estuaries are a type of wetland that contains brackish water. These are areas that are covered with water during parts of the year and are very biodiverse areas (contain many different species).
Estuaries and their surrounding wetlands are bodies of water usually found where rivers meet the sea. Estuaries are home to unique plant and animal communities that have adapted to brackish water—a mixture of fresh water draining from the land and salty seawater.
On Earth water has too many forms and variety which
are necessary specifically for particular geographical as well as
environmental surroundings. Below 1% of the world's fresh
water (0.007% of all water on earth) is reachable for direct
human uses. Water pollutions now become a part of concern and
disquiet in country like India. Large parts of water which are life
supportive get contaminated because of illegal activities of human
beings. Water effluence is a major problem globally. It is the
leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases, and that it
accounts for the deaths of more than 14,000 people daily. In
addition to the acute problems of different problems in
developing countries, industrialized countries continue to
struggle with water pollution problems as well. There are many
inorganic metals which are contaminating water bodies which
serve life to large part of India, Arsenic (As) is one of the biggest
threats for water bodies. High toxicity of Arsenic poses a serious
risk not only to ecological systems but also for human health.
There is availability of sophisticated techniques for arsenic
removal from contaminated water, development of new
laboratory based techniques along with cost reduction and
enhancement of conventional techniques are essential for the
benefit of common people. This paper is based on the future
aspects, for removal of Arsenic from drinking water or the water
of different rivers like Ganga, Gomti and Yamuna etc which
humans are consuming for domestic purpose. Demograph
estimate that around 52 millions peoples are drinking ground
water with arsenic concentrations above the guidelines of World
Health Organization. WHO proposed a parameter or MIC for
Arsenic i.e. of 10 parts per billion (ppb) or 0.010 Mg/L, it is found
that level of Arsenic has been increased vigorously in many
rivers. Objective is to apply Bioremediation technique with the
help of batch culture that needs Bioremediators to detoxify
contaminated water and helps in maintaining the original quality
of water.
This presentation discuss about the human impact on ecosystem, planetary responses to changes and imbalance in the various ecological systems. The main cause of ecological change is the rapid increase in human population which ultimately utilize the non-renewable resources to fulfil their luxurious living standards and to discover various technologies to generate energy.
Estuaries are a type of wetland that contains brackish water. These are areas that are covered with water during parts of the year and are very biodiverse areas (contain many different species).
Estuaries and their surrounding wetlands are bodies of water usually found where rivers meet the sea. Estuaries are home to unique plant and animal communities that have adapted to brackish water—a mixture of fresh water draining from the land and salty seawater.
On Earth water has too many forms and variety which
are necessary specifically for particular geographical as well as
environmental surroundings. Below 1% of the world's fresh
water (0.007% of all water on earth) is reachable for direct
human uses. Water pollutions now become a part of concern and
disquiet in country like India. Large parts of water which are life
supportive get contaminated because of illegal activities of human
beings. Water effluence is a major problem globally. It is the
leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases, and that it
accounts for the deaths of more than 14,000 people daily. In
addition to the acute problems of different problems in
developing countries, industrialized countries continue to
struggle with water pollution problems as well. There are many
inorganic metals which are contaminating water bodies which
serve life to large part of India, Arsenic (As) is one of the biggest
threats for water bodies. High toxicity of Arsenic poses a serious
risk not only to ecological systems but also for human health.
There is availability of sophisticated techniques for arsenic
removal from contaminated water, development of new
laboratory based techniques along with cost reduction and
enhancement of conventional techniques are essential for the
benefit of common people. This paper is based on the future
aspects, for removal of Arsenic from drinking water or the water
of different rivers like Ganga, Gomti and Yamuna etc which
humans are consuming for domestic purpose. Demograph
estimate that around 52 millions peoples are drinking ground
water with arsenic concentrations above the guidelines of World
Health Organization. WHO proposed a parameter or MIC for
Arsenic i.e. of 10 parts per billion (ppb) or 0.010 Mg/L, it is found
that level of Arsenic has been increased vigorously in many
rivers. Objective is to apply Bioremediation technique with the
help of batch culture that needs Bioremediators to detoxify
contaminated water and helps in maintaining the original quality
of water.
Freshwater ecosystems are a subset of Earth's aquatic ecosystems. They include lakes and ponds, rivers, streams and springs, and wetlands. They can be contrasted with marine ecosystems, which have a larger salt content. This module explains the characteristics of aquatic ecosystems-freshwater ones.
CLIMATE CHANGE CONGRESS
OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.(CCCP)
POSITION PAPER ON THE PHILEX MINING DISASTER
pp.1-6
Room 1 Bonifacio Hall, UP SOLAIR, Diliman, Quezon City
Phone no. (632) 385-5638 / Email address: climatechangecongress.org
“Coral reefs represent some of the worlds most spectacular beauty spots, but they are also the foundation of marine life: without them many of the seas most exquisite species will not survive.” ~ Sheherazade Goldsmith
“The oceans deserve our respect and care, but you have to know something before you can care about it.” ~ Sylvia Earle
Comments on adding microbeads to Schedule 1 of CEPA 1999 – September 30, 2015LOWaterkeeper
These are the comments by Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, Ottawa Riverkeeper, North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper, and Fraser Riverkeeper on the Order adding microbeads to Schedule 1 of CEPA 1999.
IRJET-Towards Conservation of World Famous Dal Lake – A Need of HourIRJET Journal
Mudasir Ahmad Wani, Ashit Dutta, M. Ashraf Wani, Umer Jan Wani, "Towards Conservation of World Famous Dal Lake – A Need of Hour", International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), Vol2,issue-01 March 2015. e-ISSN:2395-0056,p-ISSN:2395-0072. www.irjet.net,published by Fast Track Publications
Abstract
Lakes play an important role in the economy of a region. Dal Lake has historically been the centre of Kashmiri civilization and has played a major role in the economy of Kashmir through its attraction of tourists as well as its utilization as a source of food and water. Preservation of world famous Dal Lake hence, is need of hour. The aim of this study is identification and monitoring of effluent discharge and to suggest strategies for prevention of water pollution of Dal Lake. A descriptive methodology utilizing observational site survey, study of relevant records and interview technique for identification and monitoring of effluent discharge taking place into Dal Lake was carried out. Accordingly, Strategies for treatment of effluents discharged are suggested for prevention of water pollution of Dal Lake. The study revealed that effluent discharge taking place into the Dal Lake pollutes its water on daily basis. Pollutants that enter in Dal Lake are sewage and sullage, agriculture runoff, detergents and soaps, soil erosion from catchment areas, animal waste, solid wastes and wastes from houseboats, hotels and business establishments. The study is unique in that it reports on important issue of environmental degradation of world famous Dal Lake. Various measures proposed for conservation of lake including afforestation and control of grazing animals in the catchment area, removal of house boats and hotels and rehabilitation of their owners and inhabitants living in and around Dal at a suitable place, removal of excess weeds on continuous basis, construction of sanitation latrines for villagers, reducing use of chemical pesticides, avoiding use of commercial fertilizers, installation of STPs, restoring “Nallah Mar” and continuous monitoring of lake environment are expected to reduce the pollution and hence, preservation of the lake.
Dams and their Effects on forests and tribal peopleArchitGupta119
Subtopics include:
1. Submergence of forest land
2. Devastation of forests
3. Prone to floods, droughts & landslides
4. Loss of soil fertility
5. Loss of Biodiversity
6. Loss of Species
7. Effects on tribal people
8. Displacement of tribal people
Tropical coral reefs cover an area of over 284 000 km2, providing habitat for thousands of species and yielding more than US$ 30 billion annually in global goods and services, such as coastline protection, tourism and food. Corals reefs are now threatened by the increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, while warmer sea temperatures are disturbing the delicate symbiosis between coral organisms and algae. For example, 16 per cent of all tropical coral reefs were killed off by thermal stress during a single extreme El Niño–Southern Oscillation event in 1997–1998. As a result of escalating atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide, more of this gas is being dissolved in the world’s oceans. This has already reduced ocean pH and the trend is projected to continue. Moreover, the altered ocean chemistry is expected to have major corrosive effects on marine ecosystems and to alter the calcification rates of corals, phytoplankton and other species.
Freshwater ecosystems are a subset of Earth's aquatic ecosystems. They include lakes and ponds, rivers, streams and springs, and wetlands. They can be contrasted with marine ecosystems, which have a larger salt content. This module explains the characteristics of aquatic ecosystems-freshwater ones.
CLIMATE CHANGE CONGRESS
OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC.(CCCP)
POSITION PAPER ON THE PHILEX MINING DISASTER
pp.1-6
Room 1 Bonifacio Hall, UP SOLAIR, Diliman, Quezon City
Phone no. (632) 385-5638 / Email address: climatechangecongress.org
“Coral reefs represent some of the worlds most spectacular beauty spots, but they are also the foundation of marine life: without them many of the seas most exquisite species will not survive.” ~ Sheherazade Goldsmith
“The oceans deserve our respect and care, but you have to know something before you can care about it.” ~ Sylvia Earle
Comments on adding microbeads to Schedule 1 of CEPA 1999 – September 30, 2015LOWaterkeeper
These are the comments by Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, Ottawa Riverkeeper, North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper, and Fraser Riverkeeper on the Order adding microbeads to Schedule 1 of CEPA 1999.
IRJET-Towards Conservation of World Famous Dal Lake – A Need of HourIRJET Journal
Mudasir Ahmad Wani, Ashit Dutta, M. Ashraf Wani, Umer Jan Wani, "Towards Conservation of World Famous Dal Lake – A Need of Hour", International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), Vol2,issue-01 March 2015. e-ISSN:2395-0056,p-ISSN:2395-0072. www.irjet.net,published by Fast Track Publications
Abstract
Lakes play an important role in the economy of a region. Dal Lake has historically been the centre of Kashmiri civilization and has played a major role in the economy of Kashmir through its attraction of tourists as well as its utilization as a source of food and water. Preservation of world famous Dal Lake hence, is need of hour. The aim of this study is identification and monitoring of effluent discharge and to suggest strategies for prevention of water pollution of Dal Lake. A descriptive methodology utilizing observational site survey, study of relevant records and interview technique for identification and monitoring of effluent discharge taking place into Dal Lake was carried out. Accordingly, Strategies for treatment of effluents discharged are suggested for prevention of water pollution of Dal Lake. The study revealed that effluent discharge taking place into the Dal Lake pollutes its water on daily basis. Pollutants that enter in Dal Lake are sewage and sullage, agriculture runoff, detergents and soaps, soil erosion from catchment areas, animal waste, solid wastes and wastes from houseboats, hotels and business establishments. The study is unique in that it reports on important issue of environmental degradation of world famous Dal Lake. Various measures proposed for conservation of lake including afforestation and control of grazing animals in the catchment area, removal of house boats and hotels and rehabilitation of their owners and inhabitants living in and around Dal at a suitable place, removal of excess weeds on continuous basis, construction of sanitation latrines for villagers, reducing use of chemical pesticides, avoiding use of commercial fertilizers, installation of STPs, restoring “Nallah Mar” and continuous monitoring of lake environment are expected to reduce the pollution and hence, preservation of the lake.
Dams and their Effects on forests and tribal peopleArchitGupta119
Subtopics include:
1. Submergence of forest land
2. Devastation of forests
3. Prone to floods, droughts & landslides
4. Loss of soil fertility
5. Loss of Biodiversity
6. Loss of Species
7. Effects on tribal people
8. Displacement of tribal people
Tropical coral reefs cover an area of over 284 000 km2, providing habitat for thousands of species and yielding more than US$ 30 billion annually in global goods and services, such as coastline protection, tourism and food. Corals reefs are now threatened by the increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, while warmer sea temperatures are disturbing the delicate symbiosis between coral organisms and algae. For example, 16 per cent of all tropical coral reefs were killed off by thermal stress during a single extreme El Niño–Southern Oscillation event in 1997–1998. As a result of escalating atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide, more of this gas is being dissolved in the world’s oceans. This has already reduced ocean pH and the trend is projected to continue. Moreover, the altered ocean chemistry is expected to have major corrosive effects on marine ecosystems and to alter the calcification rates of corals, phytoplankton and other species.
Marine pollution is the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment (including estuaries), resulting in such deleterious effects as: harm to living resources; hazards to human health; hindrance to marine activities including fishing; impairing the quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities
Desalination of the Sea Around Us, Part ICarol Reeb
This is a talk on seawater desalination I gave in Seaside California on October 19th, 2010. It is divided in two parts.
Part I contains information on seawater desalination and how the process can impact the marine environment.
Part II provides specific examples of how brine discharged from these plants can affect species, especially eggs and developing young.
It ends with an illustration of how water recycling could be a better long-term solution to our looming water crisis on the Monterey Peninsula and in the State of California.
Economic Terms and Healthcare HistoryExample 2 B level pa.docxjack60216
Economic Terms and Healthcare History
Example 2: B level paper…No references cited
The Oceano Dunes are minutes away from where I grew up. The sand dunes are the largest remaining dune system south of San Fancisco and the second largest in California. The Dunes are located along a beautiful stretch of land that goes 18 miles along the coastline that extends from southern San Luis Obispo to northern Santa Barbra. Its a very unique environment and because of the giant mounds of sand attracts many visitors. The Dunes are perfect for dirt bikers and people who enjoy off road vehicle use. The dunes also are the only area in California where people can legally drive on the beach. Every year two million people come to the dunes and tens of thousands of trucks and off-highway vehicles are driven on the Dunes. This is horrible for the environment and brings up a lot of controversy. No other location in San Luis Obispo and perhaps no other state park generates as many environmental impacts. The topics of controversy not only includes the delicate ecosystem but air quality and littering.
One of the most worrisome conflicts concerning the Oceano Dunes is the air pollution. Nipomo Mesa is directly downwind of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation area and it has the worst particulate pollution in the county. Larry Allen who is the San Luis Obispo county air pollution control officer says “ The Mesa is violating every state and federal level for particulate matter on a regular basis.” The Air Pollution Control District is beginning a yearlong monitoring program along with experts from UC Davis to find the source of the pollution. They are trying the determine if it is the amount of pollution is caused by the off road vehicle use or perhaps strong winds blowing off a large area of sand dunes. Although it is figured it is the large amount of vehicle use.
Another concerning factor is illegal dumping by ATV’s. Many campers instead of dumping their tank of sewage at a dumping zone will dump their tanks into the sand. This is illegal but many people do it because having a empty tank will decrease the weight and increase their gas milage on the way home. Dumping any kinds of liquid is illegal in any state park. Liquids could leave behind many harmful pollutants. Rangers say it is impossible to estimate how much illegal dumping goes on but are hoping it is going down because in recent years Oceano is now offering free dumping sites. There are also fines for dumping and they can be up to $3,400.
In the Oceano Dunes there are a handful of endangered birds and fish. Protecting these species is incredibly important and is the focus of many environmentalists. There are been lawsuits that blame the state for not protecting these species and pleading for more protection. Two shore birds, the Western snowy plover and the least tern nest primarily on the open sand. This happens to be where people camp and drive their ATVs. Park officials are trying to ...
XXX 2Name Professor Course Date Imagine a situatio.docxadampcarr67227
XXX 2
Name:
Professor:
Course:
Date:
Imagine a situation that you are walking on the road, if there is a plastic bag in the middle of the way, will you see it? Most people will see it, and there is someone hired to keep the street clean and tidy on a regular basis. People and the government have both realized the importance of protecting the mainland’s environment while few have noticed the necessity of protecting ocean’s environment. In fact, human’s activities are contributing a lot to the pollution of marine system.
For example, Fisheries and transportation are two aspects that would affect the ocean most. Companies are overfishing for more profit, killing baby fishes and endangered species. Chemical industries are pouring chemical pollutions into the ocean to avoid paying for the dealing fees, Tourists and merchants are buying and selling rare species at will. These are the behaviors that would affect the natural environment of the ocean.
To begin with, In the case of fisheries, overfishing is causing shrinkage of fish groups, and the use of destructive fishing techniques has increased dramatically worldwide, destroying marine mammals and entire ecosystems. Besides, the unawareness of sustainable development is also a huge problem for marine environment. Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities seems to be increasing as fishers seek to circumvent stricter regulatory rules. When some companies catch fish, they usually want to make a profit as soon as possible, sometimes they even catch the immature fries and make them into food to obtain additional profits. However, they did not realize that this behavior is like killing chickens to take their eggs. Without the fry, the fish group can't continue to grow, and there will be no fish for fishing in the future. Therefore, this behavior will reduce the company's profits. In terms of the environment, with the lack of a large number of fries, the ethnic balance of fish has been broken. A specie’s reduction in biology chain may cause extinction of other species. Therefore, it is necessary to leave time and space for self-recovery for the fish. As the author James A. Wilson said: “Natural environment has coevolved at a relatively broad temporal and spatial scale, and it has coadapted locally and relatively quickly, compared to evolutionary processes” (James A. Wilson 3). In order to protect fish groups, it is necessary to promote scientific management, reasonable fishing, and adhere to the idea of sustainable development.
Another impact of fisheries on the marine environment is the destruction of marine habitats. Including damages to marine plants and pollution from outside waste such as chemical contamination. a terrible fact that magazine “Antarctic Science” told is that “contaminants and their associated impacts are long-lived” (Antarctic Science Volume 21, Issue 1). As the author says, the effects of chemical pollutants are long-term and irreversible. In some places like the.
This powerpoint presentation deals with the types of coastal/marine pollution, its causes and sources, coastal pollution in the world, coastal pollution in India, causes of coastal pollution in India and its impacts.
IRREVERSIBLE? Climate Change, Fisherfolks, and the Coastal Community
Communication Skills
1. Running Head: COASTAL POLLUTION 1
California’s Coastal Pollution
Christopher Ruper
Argosy University
2. COASTAL POLLUTION 2
Abstract
California’s coastline has been polluted by sources that have had a negative effect on its
ecosystems. To understand this problem one must know the types of pollution California’s
coastlines are faced with, their effects on the coastline, and the benefits of pollution.
3. COASTAL POLLUTION 3
California’s Coastal Pollution
Introduction
California’s coastline is known for its warm weather, warm waters, and beautiful
beaches. Many beach goers do not know the truth behind pollution and its effects on the coastal
ecosystems or on human health. A report was taken on the pollution on California’s coastline,
“The report notes that contamination can make beachgoers sick,” (Brennan, 2009). The effects of
such pollution can cause more harm than just damages to the ecosystem and sickness, “The
Environmental Protection Agency has announced nearly $10 million in grants to assist coastal
states and territories in monitoring for pathogens in recreational waters,” (E.P.A., 2005).
California should do its best to protect its beaches and people that attend them. Beach pollution
is detrimental to the Californian coastline.
Types of pollution
Pollution on California’s coastline can come from various locations. Each cause of
pollution has its own negative effects on the coastal ecosystems and on the health of living
organisms. Some are caused by lack of consideration of human health and others are simply poor
foresight on the parts of engineers when constructing places for water to travel. Some pollution
issues have been left untouched and others have become of great concern to people who try to
protect the Californian coastline. The major causes of pollution on the Californian coastline are
pollution runoff, pollution from beach attendants, pollution from cargo, and air pollution.
Beach pollution runoff is the running off of water from cities into the ocean. These cities
can be right on the coast or miles away. Some storm drains and canals force the water runoff
4. COASTAL POLLUTION 4
from city gutters right into the ocean without proper treatment. “Nearly 70% of the variability in
the coliform record can be attributed to seasonal and interannual variability in local rainfall,
implying that storm water runoff from the surrounding watershed is a primary source of coliform
in Newport Bay,” (Pednekar, 2005). During the construction of these drains not much foresight
was done on the effects these grains would have on California’s coastline. These drains can
contain massive amounts of bacteria during high water flow periods; usually, but not limited to,
rainy seasons. “By quantification of a human-specific Bacteroides marker (HBM), human waste
was evidenced throughout both transects, and concentrations were highest in the discharges of
several flowing storm drains,” (Sercu, 2009).
Pollution from beach attendants is another way that pollution can find its way to the
coast. One very evident type of pollution is bottles water, “some 26 billion bottles of water were
sold in the U.S. in 2005, making us the world leader in consumption of bottled water,” (Wright,
2009). Astoundingly, “only one in six of plastic water bottles were recycled in 2004, and the rest
ended up in landfills or combustion facilities,” (Wright, 2009). It is no surprise that, “the number
one new form of litter along our highways and on beaches is the discarded plastic water bottle,”
(Wright, 2009). Coastal visitors and other attendants can, either by accident or purpose, discard
plastic onto the beaches or into the water. “They live along a coast with the dubious distinction
of having 7 of the state's 10 most polluted beaches, according to the latest report card from the
environmental group Heal the Bay, which has given beaches like Surfrider a failing grade year
after year,” (Navarro, 2007). These ratings tend to be based more on the pollution found on the
beach and only a little emphasis is put on the pollution in the water. These ratings show that the
massive amounts of pollution is the cause of the failing beach grades; which has been happening
for many years.
5. COASTAL POLLUTION 5
Cargo ships are another cause of pollution on California beaches. Ports in California have
been engineered for the imports and exports of large quantities of goods. Large cargo ships are
the cause of massive amounts of pollution as well. “The company based in Hong Kong that
operates the cargo ship that caused a 2007 oil spill in San Francisco Bay pleaded guilty to
criminal charges. The ship, the Cosco Busan, sideswiped the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
on Nov. 7, 2007,” (Associated Press, 2009). Oil pollution is hard to clean up and costs lots of
money. It is also important to contain oils spills as they can easily move to the open coastline
from shipping harbors; if they happen inside the harbor. The shipping harbors should not be too
crowded as it increases the chances of collisions such as the Cosco Busan. Concerns have been
taken to large ships and discharges off the coastline in California. “This will establish the largest
coastal 'No Discharge Zone' in the United States and is expected to eliminate millions of gallons
of sewage that large ships discharge every year into local waters,” (E.P.A., 2010). The discharge
zone is for both cargo ships as well as cruise liners.
Finally, air pollution is another form of pollution on California’s coastline. This is mainly
from the diesel engines of trucks and large ships, but all fossil fueled vehicles and factories can
contribute to this type of pollution. “Ships in the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports already
produce nearly as much smog as Southern California's 350 largest industrial polluters
combined,” (Welch, 2004). The gasses released into the air have created smog clouds; one such
cloud can be found lingering over Los Angeles County. These pollution clouds may even be
blown inland from the coast to the cities located off the coast.
Environmental Effects
6. COASTAL POLLUTION 6
The effects of runoff are very detrimental to health and the environment. In one case
treatment of the situation caused an ecosystem to lose water and almost dry up, “Over the course
of the study the marsh received progressively less dry weather surface water runoff from the
surrounding urban landscape due to the implementation of a runoff interception and treatment
program,” (Youngsul, 2008). The bacteria from runoff can be almost worse than actual trash,
“As many as 1.5 million people are sickened by bacterial pollution on Southern California
beaches each year, resulting in millions of dollars in public health care costs, a new study has
found,” (Associated Press, 2006). With the end of the drainage leading right into the coast the
pollution can spread along the coast to the north or south. This creates an even bigger ecological
problem as all animals would be affected from the bacteria.
Beach pollution from visitors can cause harm to local wildlife, mainly birds that try to
feed on the garbage; they tend to be less selective about their consumption. Ocean dwelling
creatures can also get sick from eating plastics and other pollutants. Plastic has been an enemy of
coastal wildlife for many years. Plastic is not biodegradable and may even cause animals to get
entangled in it; this will result in functioning problems. If trash makes its way to the ocean than
ocean animals can also feed on it, making them sick; this will have negative effects on the whole
food chain. Larger animals that feed on smaller sick ones will contract illnesses or be
malnourished from eating malnourished meals. “But there are those who persist in braving the
water, never mind the historic counts of bacteria from fecal matter and other sources that can
cause skin rashes, ear infections and gastrointestinal ailments, or the signs that spell out the
dangers with warnings like 'contact with ocean water at this location may increase risk of
illness’,'' (Navarro, 2007). The risk to the wildlife is coupled with the pollution’s effects on
humans. There are many ailments one can receive from the coastal waters of California.
7. COASTAL POLLUTION 7
Pollution from cargo can be very disastrous to wildlife. In regards to the ship from Hong
Kong that ran into another ship, “The ship spilled 53,000 gallons of oil into the water, killing
thousands of birds and other wildlife and fouling miles of shoreline,” (Associated Press, 2009).
This is not fair to the living organisms that reside in this ecosystem. There are also many
protected habitats in the area of this incident. The money that had to be spent for the cleanup was
astronomical. The “No Discharge Zone” was much needed for the health of all living organisms
on the California coastline. The sewage discharged from the large ships had contributed too
many harmful chemicals being introduced to coastal ecosystems.
Air pollution also contributes to the effects of pollution. It can ruin a sunny day for
recreational beach goers and even cause cancer to people exposed to it. “An estimated one in
every 1,000 residents who has lived in nearby neighborhoods since birth may contract cancer
from the bad air, one study shows,” (Welch, 2004). For local communities that rely heavily on
beach goers for income, having them go to other beaches can affect their business. People would
rather go to beaches with less pollution to vacation and air pollution is not very inviting to
vacationers. These pollution clouds also prevent proper sunlight from reaching plants and other
organisms that need sunlight to function properly. The clouds also contain harmful chemicals
such as CO2 and can be dangerous when in hailed. Acid rain is another effect of air pollution. It
can burn skin and cause harmful effects to living organisms. Acid rain when flushed into a storm
drain will also end up in the ocean even if it does not rain over the sea.
Benefits of pollution
Although not worth the pollution, pollution has had a benefit in California over the years.
The process of cleaning up pollution provides jobs for the state’s residents. Whether the cleanup
8. COASTAL POLLUTION 8
is in the water or on land many cleanup hours are needed along its coastlines to help restore the
coastline to a satisfactory level. “The Environmental Protection Agency has announced nearly
$10 million in grants to assist coastal states and territories in monitoring for pathogens in
recreational waters,” (E.P.A., 2005). With unemployment being at an all time high, providing
jobs for people is invaluable to California’s population.
Conclusion
The coastal waters of California provide a livelihood for many living organisms, not
excluding humans. Many protected and endangered species of organisms have made their
homes on the coastlines of California. Pollution’s effects can be seen at all levels of the food
chain. Small fish get diseases which in turn affects the larger predators. Human health is also
at risk when it comes to this type of pollution; humans eat many things that are found on land
and in the sea from high polluted coastal areas. Since humans regularly use beaches as a place
of recreation and food they can contract many illnesses that reside in this location.
Possible solutions to prevent pollution on beaches have been sought after by many
activists but the costs are great for cleaning up pollution and even greater for pollution found
in the water. The runoff from city pipelines should be treated to prevent disease from entering
the open ocean; but ample water flow is important for the habitats that rely on it. Cargo
regulations have been made but the shipment industry continues to grow every year,
increasing the chances for pollution. More restrictions need to be placed on the shipment
industry. Stricter punishments for polluters may help deter humans from polluting the
coastlines. Prevention is the most effective way to get and keep California’s coastline
pollution at a minimal. The costs of prevention are far cheaper than the costs of cleaning up
9. COASTAL POLLUTION 9
pollution. In some cases cleaning up pollution is not an option; the damage has already been
done.
California beaches are well known though out the world and lots of people come from all
over to enjoy them. Many species of organisms reside in coastal habitat and rely on healthy
ecosystems for survival. Humans need to maintain these habitats by not destroying them with
pollution. Pollution is a problem in California and it should be handled before too much harm
has been done. Future generations of humans and wildlife deserve to experience a healthy
coastline with far less pollution.
10. COASTAL POLLUTION 10
References
Associated Press (2006). Report: dirty Southern California beaches sicken thousands. Fox News.
Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,204556,00.html
Associated Press (2009). California: deal in bay oil spill. New York Times, 8(9), 11.
Retrieved from Academic Search Elite.
Brennan, P. (2009). O.C. features most 5-star beaches in U.S., report says: but Doheny State
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