Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Marine Environment: Current Challenges in Marine Pollution

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in the marine environment are not regulated substances, but they may have a potential impact on the environment due to their continuous input, relative persistence, and/or toxicity. This book offers useful information about these contaminants, which are not considered in international monitoring programs, and can help improve our understanding of their real impact in coastal and open-sea areas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 506 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2023
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

Contaminants of emerging concern in the marine environment: current challenges in marine pollution

The marine environment is facing significant challenges due to the presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). These substances, which are not regulated by national or international monitoring programs, have the potential to impact the environment due to their continuous input, relative persistence, and/or toxicity. CECs are relevant not only in continental and coastal areas close to their main sources but also in the open sea, as some of them can be transported long distances through air deposition or absorbed into particulate material.

The persistence of many degradable substances in the marine environment increases when they are absorbed into particulate material/sediments and/or subjected to anaerobic conditions that slow down the degradation kinetic of many contaminants. Bioaccumulation of several CECs has been confirmed in different coastal organisms, but the information available is limited due to the focus on specific coastal areas.

This book offers valuable information about not regulated contaminants that are not considered in international monitoring programs but have potential impacts in coastal and open-sea areas. By reading the book, readers can improve their understanding of the real impact of these substances on the marine environment and develop strategies to address these challenges.

The main sources of CECs in the marine environment include industrial activities, agricultural runoff, urban runoff, and waste disposal. Industrial activities, such as mining, oil and gas extraction, and chemical manufacturing, release a wide range of pollutants into the environment, including heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Agricultural runoff contains pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can accumulate in the soil and water bodies and eventually enter the marine ecosystem. Urban runoff includes sewage, industrial waste, and household waste, which can contain pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and heavy metals. Waste disposal includes landfills, incineration, and dumping of waste into the ocean, which can release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the environment.

Transport pathways of CECs in the marine environment include surface runoff, groundwater discharge, atmospheric deposition, and ocean currents. Surface runoff occurs when water from land surfaces flows into water bodies, carrying pollutants with it. Groundwater discharge occurs when water from underground sources flows into water bodies, carrying pollutants with it. Atmospheric deposition occurs when pollutants are released into the atmosphere and then fall into water bodies, either directly or indirectly. Ocean currents carry pollutants from one region to another, either along the surface or deep in the ocean.

Distribution in seawater and sediments of CECs is influenced by a variety of factors, including the concentration of the contaminants, the pH of the water, the salinity of the water, and the presence of organic matter. CECs can be found in both surface water and bottom water, and they can be adsorbed onto sediments or dissolved in the water. The distribution of CECs in seawater and sediments can vary depending on the location and the environmental conditions.

Bioaccumulation of CECs in marine organisms is a process by which these substances are taken up by organisms and accumulate in their tissues. Bioaccumulation can occur at different stages of the food chain, from primary producers to top predators. The bioaccumulation of CECs can have significant impacts on the health and survival of marine organisms, as well as on the food chain and ecosystem.

Biological effects of CECs in the marine environment are diverse and can include toxic effects, reproductive effects, and endocrine effects. Toxic effects can occur when CECs are absorbed by marine organisms and accumulate in their tissues, leading to symptoms such as mortality, disease, and altered behavior. Reproductive effects can occur when CECs interfere with the reproductive processes of marine organisms, leading to reduced fertility and increased mortality. Endocrine effects can occur when CECs interfere with the endocrine systems of marine organisms, leading to altered hormone levels and behavior.

The presence of CECs in the marine environment is a significant concern, as these substances can have long-term impacts on the health and survival of marine organisms and the overall functioning of the marine ecosystem. Efforts to address the issue of CECs in the marine environment include the development of monitoring programs, the implementation of regulations and policies to reduce the input of CECs, and the promotion of sustainable practices to reduce the impact of human activities on the marine environment.

In conclusion, the presence of contaminants of emerging concern in the marine environment is a significant challenge that requires urgent attention. These substances are not regulated by national or international monitoring programs, but they have the potential to impact the environment due to their continuous input, relative persistence, and/or toxicity. CECs are relevant not only in continental and coastal areas close to their main sources but also in the open sea, as some of them can be transported long distances through air deposition or absorbed into particulate material. The persistence of many degradable substances in the marine environment increases when they are absorbed into particulate material/sediments and/or subjected to anaerobic conditions that slow down the degradation kinetic of many contaminants. Bioaccumulation of several CECs has been confirmed in different coastal organisms, but the information available is limited due to the focus on specific coastal areas. This book offers valuable information about not regulated contaminants that are not considered in international monitoring programs but have potential impacts in coastal and open-sea areas. By reading the book, readers can improve their understanding of the real impact of these substances on the marine environment and develop strategies to address these challenges.

Dimension: 235 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323902977