What are the Causes and Effects of Marine Toxic Pollution?
There are many different types of toxic waste pollution and many of them cause various problems to marine life. Mercury poisoning is from industry and accumlates in the animals at the top of the food chain. It can cause potential birth defects and nervous system damage. Dioxins come from the paper bleaching process and some herbicides and cause chromosonal aberations in marine life. PCB’s (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) and PAH’s (Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons) cause birth defects, reproductive problems and chromosonal problems as well. PCB’s come from older electrical equipment (electrical transformers) and hydraulic fluid while PAH’s come from oil spills, road runoff and burning wood and coal. Radiation is another major toxic pollution source in the ocean but it is less well understood. Its effects are likely to be similar to those on humans but not enough is understood to make more than very general statements. The developed world is cleaning up their pollution problems but the unde
