The impacts of dumping sites on the marine environment: a system dynamics approach

Abstract

The various forms of anthropogenic pollution of seas and oceans have been extensively studied in recent decades. The most significant factors are the destructive environmental impacts of marine dumping sites. These sites put soil and coastline, water quality, mangroves and coral reefs, marine animals, food chains and plankton, and fishery at serious risk and alter the surrounding economic, social, and cultural conditions. The destruction of marine ecosystems by dumping sites causes severe environmental damage. With the ever-increasing anthropogenic environmental pollution of the seas and the drastic reduction in the self-purification mechanism of marine ecosystems, it is necessary to charter practical solutions with a holistic perspective and implement novel designs using system dynamics. System thinking and system analysis are essential tools in analyzing and solving important economic and management issues. System analysis investigates and evaluates the system complexities, determines the relationship between all factors, and then presents appropriate solutions to the problem. The increasing severity of the problems caused by marine dumping in recent years and the existing research gap in this area have highlighted the need for effective, comprehensive, and integrated solutions. The process of findings such solutions is critical and challenging. This study explores the most significant factors that directly and indirectly impact marine life using system dynamics.