Marine Pollution Research Articles

Soft plastic fishing lures and fishing nets significantly influence the decomposition of Ecklonia radiata.

Discarded or lost fishing gear from recreational or commercial fishers significantly contributes to global marine pollution. This debris accumulates with organic detritus on the seafloor, potentially impacting detrital dynamics. We used an outdoor mesocosm experiment to test hypotheses that soft plastic lures with nylon lines and commercial-grade fish netting influence the decomposition of Ecklonia radiata detritus in current and future ocean temperatures. Commercial-grade fish netting had no significant impact on the decomposition of E. radiata detritus but did increase the change in nitrogen content of detritus over time. Soft plastic fishing lures significantly decreased the decomposition of E. radiata detritus by 14.4% and decreased its C/N ratio over time. At 26°C, detritus decomposition and its C/N ratio significantly increased but did not affect carbon or nitrogen. We highlight that the type of fishing gear can determine the effect on detrital decomposition and the associated detrital dynamics.

The Role of Classification Societies in Ensuring MARPOL Compliance

This study investigates the essential role of classification societies in ensuring compliance with MARPOL regulations to prevent marine pollution. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, data were collected over 18 months from 830 vessels, surveys with 450 maritime professionals, and in-depth interviews with 30 industry experts. Findings show that vessels under regular classification society oversight exhibited substantial reductions in violations, particularly in air emissions (42.3%), ballast water management (38.7%), and oil pollution prevention (33.2%). Furthermore, vessels receiving consistent technical support maintained compliance rates 2.3 times higher than those with minimal support (95% CI: 1.8-2.8). Digital transformation initiatives enhanced response times to potential violations by 67.3% and lowered inspection costs by 42.5%, while improved stakeholder collaboration reduced compliance disputes by 43.2% and increased voluntary compliance initiatives by 52.6%. Despite these advances, challenges remain, particularly in resource allocation for smaller ports and the evaluation of new environmental technologies. This research underscores the importance of further investment in digital infrastructure, capacity-building programs, and international collaboration to strengthen sustainable shipping practices. These findings provide valuable insights for policy development and industry improvements in maritime environmental compliance.

Preventing Marine Pollution through MARPOL: Enhancing Protection for Coastal Ecosystems and Mangroves

This comprehensive study investigates the efficacy of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) in safeguarding coastal ecosystems and mangrove forests, analyzing implementation data from 15 major port areas across Southeast Asia over a five-year period (2018-2023). Through rigorous statistical analysis and GIS mapping, we evaluated multiple parameters including water quality indicators, mangrove health metrics, vessel traffic patterns, and pollution incident reports, establishing a significant correlation (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) between MARPOL compliance and ecosystem health improvement. Our findings reveal that regions with strict MARPOL enforcement experienced a 45% reduction in oil pollution incidents, 60% decrease in illegal discharge reports, and a 23% increase in mangrove seedling survival rates, while also identifying critical implementation challenges in developing nations related to resource limitations, jurisdictional complexities, and technical constraints in pollution monitoring. The study demonstrates the crucial role of MARPOL in marine ecosystem preservation while highlighting the need for enhanced international cooperation, improved monitoring technologies, and standardized reporting systems to achieve optimal environmental protection outcomes.

Challenges and Opportunities of Uranium Extraction From Seawater: a Systematic Roadmap From Laboratory to Industry.

Uranium extraction from seawater (UES) is crucial for ensuring the sustainable development of nuclear power and has seen significant advancements in recent years. However, natural seawater is a highly complex biogeochemical system, characterized by an extremely low uranium (U) concentration (≈3.3µg L-1), abundant competitive ions, and significant marine biological pollution, making UES a formidable challenge. This review addresses the challenges encountered in UES and explores potential methods for enhancing the industrial UES system, including membrane separation, electrochemistry, photocatalysis, and biosorption. Additionally, several representative marine tests are summarized and restrictive factors of large-scale UES are analyzed. Finally, the further development of UES from laboratory to industry applications is promoted, with a focus on technological innovation. The goal is to stimulate innovative ideas and provide fresh insights for the future development of the UES system, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial implementation.

Evaluating the Environmental and Economic Impacts of MARPOL Compliance in the Global Shipping Industry

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) serves as a critical regulatory framework aimed at mitigating marine pollution caused by shipping activities. This study systematically evaluates the environmental and economic impacts of MARPOL compliance within the global shipping industry, focusing on its effectiveness in reducing pollution and enhancing sustainability. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we collected and analyzed quantitative data from a diverse sample of 50 shipping companies, alongside qualitative insights from industry experts and environmental reports. Our findings indicate a significant correlation between MARPOL compliance and a reduction in key environmental indicators, including a 30% decrease in oil spills and a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the past decade. Moreover, while the initial compliance costs—averaging a 15% increase in operational expenses—pose challenges, the long-term economic benefits, such as a 20% increase in operational efficiency and enhanced market competitiveness, are noteworthy. The study underscores the necessity for ongoing regulatory support and financial incentives to facilitate compliance, particularly for smaller operators. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptation of MARPOL regulations to address emerging environmental challenges, including the impacts of climate change. Ultimately, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the dual impact of MARPOL compliance, presenting valuable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers aiming to foster a more sustainable shipping industry.

A Robust Algorithm for Estimating Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Using Sentinel-2: Case Study in Coastal Waters of Teluk Awur, Jepara, Indonesia

Total suspended solids (TSS) is an important parameter of water quality, so regular monitoring is necessary to prevent further marine pollution due to TSS. Remote sensing is one of the most effective and efficient methods to monitor TSS with cost-effective operations. The Sentinel-2 satellite is freely available to users with high spectral and spatial resolution (10m, 20m, 60m). Dynamic changes in coastal waters and their characteristics cause TSS retrieval algorithms built from available imagery having less optimal results in other water regions. This research aims to develop an empirical TSS algorithm model that specifically applies to the coastal waters of Teluk Awur, Jepara. The algorithm was developed using an empirical method through correlation between spectral values of Sentinel-2 imagery and in situ TSS values. Water sampling was conducted at 110 stations with a depth of 0.5 m on 22 July 2023 simultaneously collocated with Sentinel-2 image recording. Half of the data was used for algorithm tuning and the other half used for validation. The best regression analysis is found in the red band (B4) and the model is linear. The relatively good performance is shown by the coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.45, RMSE (3.40 mg.L-1), and MAPE (10.76%). The resulting algorithmic model was TSS (mg.L-1) =817.213*(B4)-0.959. This study shows that Sentinel-2 MSI images for TSS retrieval in the coastal waters of Teluk Awur could be applicable and the red band (B4) can be used for mapping TSS concentrations in the surrounding study area.

Characterization of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Transplanted Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and Surface Sediments from the Coastal Region of Nemrut Bay, Eastern Aegean Sea

Caged mussels enable biomonitoring investigations due to their tendency to absorb contaminants in industrial zones. This study aimed to investigate the levels of seven indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (i7PCB) congeners in the biomonitoring organism Mytillus galloprovincialis over two years (2016–2018) after transplantation from three stations in the Eastern Aegean Sea industrial zone. Additionally, i7PCBs were found in Nemrut Bay’s surface sediments. The highest PCB level was found at Site 5 located near a petroleum refinery of the Petkim Port. According to sediment quality criteria, PCB levels at Sites 1, 4, 5, and 6 may have an adverse biological impact. PCB concentrations varied among samples; congeners 28, 153, 101, and 118 were most prevalent in sediments, whereas congeners 138, 153, 101, and 118 were most prevalent in mussels. i7PCB concentrations were below the maximum residual levels permitted in fishery products. In addition, calculations of the hazard ratio and estimated daily intake show no potential negative impacts from PCB exposure. Significantly positive correlations appeared between PCB (28, 52, 101, 118) levels and the condition index of the mussels. The highest amounts of ∑i7PCB in mussels were identified in September 2016 at Site 2 and in October 2017 at Site 1. Industrialization around the Port of Nemrut had a harmful impact on Sites 1 and 2. Preventing marine pollution plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability of marine living resources and sustainable coastal management.

Elemental Distribution in Tissues of Shorthorn Sculpins (Myoxocephalus scorpius) from Kongsfjorden in Svalbard

The shorthorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus scorpius) is considered a suitable sentinel species for marine pollution in the Arctic due to its ecology and stationary habits. To evaluate its role as a bioindicator for potential natural and anthropic impacts on the marine ecosystem of the Kongsfjorden (Svalbard, Norwegian Arctic), 33 female and male specimens of shorthorn sculpins were collected in July 2018 in proximity of the Ny-Ålesund international research facility and analyzed for the content of 25 major and trace elements and methylmercury (MeHg) in the muscle, liver, gonads, and gills by using spectroscopic techniques. Most elements had their maximum average concentrations in the gills (Al, Cr, Fe, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Si, Sr, and V), while the livers featured higher contents of some toxic and heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Mo, and Zn). The muscle was characterized by high contents of Ca, K, and Mg, while Ba, Co, and P were mostly concentrated in the gonads. The gonads presented higher concentrations of Cr, K, Mg, Ni, P, and V for the males and Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Se for the females. Both the total Hg and MeHg concentrations in the muscle correlated with the fish size, indicating bioaccumulation, although high Se/Hg molar ratios (11.0 ± 2.2) suggested a low toxic potential of mercury.

Providing solutions to mitigate, adapt, and build resilience to the effects of climate change

Abstract This Quo Vadimus article is a summary of the Ocean Vision 2030 White Paper—Challenge 5: Unlock Ocean-based solutions to Climate Change (2024). We highlight the obstacles to harnessing the potential of ocean-based solutions to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Recommendations to overcome these obstacles include (i) research into marine renewable energy, ways of reducing marine pollution and of expanding vegetated coastal ecosystems, (ii) controlled field testing of marine carbon dioxide removal co-designed with invested communities, (iii) improved co-designed governance and cooperation as well as capacity development, (iv) adaptive governance and management supported by decision support tools for the assessment of vulnerability and risk, and (v) prioritization of fairness and inclusivity in the execution of mitigation and adaptation measures to ensure all stakeholders benefit equitably.

An Interpretation of the 1997 UN Watercourses Convention in the Context of Climate Change: Some Reflections

This paper considers whether climate change falls within the scope of the 1997 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UN Watercourses Convention). General principles of treaty interpretation are used to examine various environmental obligations concerning the protection and preservation of ecosystems and the marine environment, pollution, harmful conditions, and emergency situations. While similar analyses have been conducted in relation to other treaties such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, this paper represents a novel analysis with respect to the UN Watercourses Convention. This paper concludes that climate change may be implied into three obligations: the obligation to protect and preserve the ecosystems of international watercourses, the obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment, and the obligation to prevent or mitigate harmful conditions.

Heavy Metal Distribution in Aquatic Products from Eastern Guangdong and Associated Health Risk Assessment.

With the rapid industrialization and urbanization of coastal areas, marine pollution (such as heavy metals) is increasingly contaminating the environment, posing significant public health risks. Eastern Guangdong, a key aquaculture and fisheries hub in China, has a growing market for aquatic products. Heavy metals persist in the environment and are difficult to degrade and bioaccumulate in marine organisms through the food web, presenting carcinogenic and mutagenic risks to humans, as top predators. This study analyzed 10 key species commonly consumed by residents of eastern Guangdong (bivalves, crustaceans, and fish), measuring the concentrations of six heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pollution levels were assessed using the pollution index (Pi), and dietary exposure risks were evaluated via the target hazard quotient (THQ) for different age groups. Results showed that Pi values for all metals were within normal background levels, but bivalves had a high capacity for Cd accumulation, with pollution severity ranking as bivalves > crustaceans > fish. The THQ values for both adults and teenagers were <1 across all samples, indicating no risk to the health of residents. However, the TTHQ for Sanguinolaria sp. exceeded 1, indicating potential health risks. This study highlights the health risks of consuming heavy metal-contaminated aquatic products, particularly bivalves. Reducing the consumption of these high-metal species could help lower dietary exposure and associated risks. Our findings provide essential data for the quality assessment of aquatic products and offer dietary recommendations for residents in eastern Guangdong.

Characterizing persistent organic pollutants in seawater at a multifunctional international harbor influenced by industrial riverbank activities.

The objective of this study is to comprehensively characterize persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in seawater at Kaohsiung Harbor, focusing on their concentrations, partitioning behaviors, and profiles in both particle and liquid phases. We analyzed 100L seawater for each sample, finding total dioxin-like toxicity (PCDD/Fs+PCBs + PBDD/Fs) ranging from 0.00936 to 0.167pg WHO-TEQ/L, with PCDD/Fs accounting for 68% of total toxicity. POPs predominantly appeared in the particle phase, observed in over 80% of samples, except for PCBs. The observed correlations between particulate matter (PM) and chlorinated POPs at sites receiving river effluents suggest shared pollution sources. The liquid partition of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs in the seawater shows an inverse relationship with log Kow and a direct proportionality with solubility, particularly above 0.1μg/L. Furthermore, PBDEs in seawater can transform into PBDD/Fs upon UV light exposure, highlighting another potential pathway for the persistence and spread of these harmful contaminants in the environment. These findings emphasize the need for field-based investigations to assess PBDF formation in aquatic environments and underscore the importance of stronger mitigation strategies, including better wastewater treatment and stricter discharge regulations to reduce POPs in marine ecosystems.

Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor with 2D Materials for Enhanced Refractive Index Detection of Chemical Pollutants in Seawater

This paper introduces a highly sensitive, graphene-based, multilayer surface plasmon resonance (SPR) refractive index sensor is designed for the detection of chemical pollutants in seawater. The sensor structure consists of multiple layers, specifically BK7 glass, Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), MXene, and Graphene. SPR sensors have gained significant attention in the field of real-time chemical sensing due to their label-free detection capabilities, high sensitivity, and excellent reproducibility. In this sensor design, the refractive index (RI) of the sensing region is altered by the interaction of chemical pollutants present in the seawater. These variations in RI directly affect the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at the multilayer sensor interface. This interaction forms the basis for detecting chemical pollutants, as changes in RI modulate the sensor's optical response, which can be accurately measured. The performance of the proposed sensor is thoroughly evaluated using numerical simulations based on the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM). The simulations are carried out over a refractive index range of 1.329 to 1.433, covering the typical RI variations caused by chemical pollutants in seawater. The sensor demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a maximum sensitivity of 186deg/RIU at an operational wavelength of 633nm. Additionally, the sensor is exhibited a high detection accuracy (DA) of 1.5deg⁻¹ and a figure of merit (FOM) of 205 RIU⁻¹, highlighting its ability to precisely distinguish small changes in refractive index. These results emphasize the potential of this graphene-based SPR sensor configuration for high-performance detection of chemical pollutants, making it an excellent candidate for environmental monitoring applications. Its robust design, combined with its high sensitivity and accuracy, positions it as a promising solution for addressing challenges in seawater pollution detection and monitoring.

Analyzing the Influence of Financial Technology and Environmental Taxation on Energy Transformation in BRI Nations

This research examined the management, financial technology, and environmental taxation elements impacting energy transformation in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries concerning foreign direct investment (FDI). The study aims to analyze data from 2014 to 2022, encompassing a balanced group of 148 BRI member nations—72 from minimal and lower-middle-class countries and 78 from significant and middle-income industrialized nations. Utilizing the two-step systems generalized method of moments (GMM) framework and verifying with the two-stage least squares (2SLS) approach, the study identified critical drivers and barriers to energy transformation in these countries. The findings indicate that effective management practices, advanced financial technologies, and appropriate environmental taxation policies significantly influence energy transformation and FDI inflows. Additionally, the research reviewed the impact of cruise tourism on human health and environmental ecosystems, highlighting severe environmental consequences such as habitat deterioration, marine pollution, and ecosystem disturbances. Human health issues linked to air and water pollution, including respiratory disorders and water-borne illnesses, were also identified. The socioeconomic effects on nearby communities were significant, underscoring the need for stringent regulations and sustainable practices. This comprehensive analysis provides essential insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and scholars, advocating for integrated policies to promote sustainable energy transformation and mitigate the adverse effects of cruise tourism.

Using scleractinian corals as monitors of essential and potentially toxic elements pollution in the southern Red Sea, Yemen Republic

Using scleractinian corals as monitors of essential and potentially toxic elements pollution in the southern Red Sea, Yemen Republic

Assessing the Proposed Designation of Nusa Penida and Gili Matra in the Lombok Strait as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA)

Abstract The Lombok Strait, located in the Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lane (IASL) II, serves as an international shipping route and is also crossed by ferries between Bali and Lombok Islands. The potential increase in international shipping trafBic could pose a threat of marine pollution due to shipping activities, such as ship accidents and operational discharges from ships. There are two areas in the Lombok Strait that have been designated as national marine conservation areas by the Indonesia government, namely Nusa Penida Island and Gili Matra Island. The rich marine biodiversity of the Lombok Strait, especially in Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands, should be protected from the threats posed by international shipping activities. This study aims to assess the necessity of designating the Lombok Strait as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA). The newly established routing systems, TrafBic Separation Schemes (TSS) in the Lombok Strait, can be adopted as Associated Protective Measures (APMs) within the designation of a PSSA. Risk assessment was implemented to demonstrate the exposed risks of international shipping activities that could threaten the marine ecosystem and evaluate the effectiveness of the TSS as an associated protective measure. Based on reviews to meet at least one of the criteria for designation as a PSSA, Nusa Penida and Gili Matra have its the signiBicance of its ecological, socio-economic &amp; culture, and marine trafBic characteristics. The total annual frequency of ship collision is 3.32E-03. In conclusion, the implementation of TSS as the existing APM has proven effective in reducing the risk of ship collision in Lombok Straits by 60.3% compared to frequency ship collision before TSS.

Evaluation of China's marine sustainable development based on PSR and SDG14: Synergy-tradeoff analysis and scenario simulation

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations (UN) have become a global mission and task. However, with the SDG process now halfway through, the evaluation of SDG 14 has yet to be initiated. The study presents an evaluation system based on Pressure-State-Response and SDG 14, which evaluated the trend and spatial characteristics of CMSD in China from 2012 to 2021. In addition, the investigation estimated the scores of SDG 14 targets for 11 coastal provinces and analyses the synergies and trade-offs among SDG 14 targets. Finally, the trajectories of the CMSD and SDG 14 targets were simulated for different future scenarios. The main findings are as follows: 1) CMSD increased by 3.24 % from 2012 to 2021, accompanied by a decline in Response subsystem and an increase in both Pressure and State subsystems. 2) CMSD exhibited improvement in Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan Provinces, while the most significant decline was observed in Liaoning Province. All coastal provinces in China were dominated by the subsystem of Pressure subsystem. 3) In terms of the scores of SDG 14's targets, the largest gap was found in the scores of SDG 14.5 which indicates that there are significant differences in the development of MPAs in different coastal provinces; and the smallest gap was found in SDG 14.1, which demonstrates their general concern for marine pollution management and reduction of pollution discharges in coastal areas. 4) The synergy-tradeoff analysis of the SDG 14 targets reveals four pairs that have consistently maintained synergy at the 5 % significance level, while only one pair has maintained trade-offs at the 5 % significance level. 5) The results of the scenario simulation suggest that SDG 14.2 and SDG 14.4 should follow the Management Strengthening Pathway, while other targets performed better under the Green Development Pathway. This study conducts a marine sustainable development assessment using China as a case study. It not only clarifies the development status of SDG 14 targets at both the national and regional levels in China but also offers valuable insights for international efforts to evaluate SDG 14.

Evaluating toxic impact on marine microbial community using combined genetic and phenotypic approaches.

Preserving the oceans is a major challenge for the twenty-first century. In 2000, the Water Framework Directive harmonized European regulations on water management to protect and restore the good ecological status of aquatic ecosystems, including the marine environment. This study aims to address the need to understand how pollutants affect marine ecosystems, particularly microbial communities, which are vital for ecosystem balance and biogeochemical cycling. By combining genetic and phenotypic approaches, we aimed to predict the long-term ecological effects of marine pollution and develop improved management strategies. We used microcosms to expose a marine microbial community to various toxicant (anthracene, benzene, chlorpyrifos, copper chloride, and PFOA) and combined phenotypic and genetic approaches to assess i) changes in community structure, ii) phenotypic responses to pollutant, and iii) the benefits of integrating these methods to better evaluate the impact of pollutants on microbial communities and ecosystem services. The obtained results highlight a certain functional resilience despite a significant effect on genetic diversity. Moreover, only specific exposure conditions, such as higher pollutant concentrations, appear to significantly affect ecosystem functions. Leveraging this knowledge, the future challenge will be to develop a straightforward biosensor to estimate and predict the impact of pollutants on these ecosystems, in order to better protect them.

Stable Isotope Ratio and Elemental Analysis (CNS) in Mangrove Leaves in the Creek Ecosystem: An Indicator of Coastal Marine Pollution

AbstractThe stable isotopes ratio and elemental composition in the mangrove leaves are excellent indicators for coastal marine pollution. The present study investigated the composition of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Sulfur, δ13C and δ15N values in mangrove leaves to identify the source of pollution and energy to the mangroves in the creek ecosystem of Mumbai Harbour Bay. The oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope ratios (δ18O and δ2H) of leaf water were estimated to understand the relative contribution of freshwater and seawater to the mangrove's water source. The Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulfur contents were found to vary from 37.79 to 42.55% (Average: 40.06 ± 1.54%), 2.13–3.79% (Average: 2.94 ± 0.45%) and 0.37–0.81% (Average: 0.53 ± 0.14%) in the mangrove leaves, respectively. The δ13C and δ15N values were found to vary from − 30.43 to − 28.41‰ (Average: − 29.46 ± 0.74‰) and from − 2.67 to 5.54‰ (Average: 2.21 ± 3.20%), respectively. The δ18O and δ2H values were found to vary from − 2.7 to 0.83‰ and − 6.86 to 5.43‰ with an average of − 0.94 ± 0.83 and − 2.03 ± 3.52‰ respectively. According to the observed δ18O and δ2H values, mangroves in the northern part had a relatively higher contribution of freshwater input compared to southern part of the study area. The lower values of δ15N towards the northern end of the creek indicate a relatively higher contribution of nitrogen from industrial discharges. Similar values of δ13C in mangrove in the region suggest a common source of carbon. Mangroves found near discharge locations have different elemental composition and δ15N values compared to those mangroves that are not located near discharge location. These differences can be used as potential markers to identify the coastal marine pollution. The results of the present study may be used for developing rational approaches for protection and conservation of the mangrove ecosystem in the bay.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF PORT ACTIVITIES IN COTONOU, BENIN (WEST AFRICA)

The environmental effects of port activities on the biological environment are one of the growing concerns due to the importance of ports for maritime trade and the environmental consequences they generate. Activities related to maritime transport, waste management, and dredging can disrupt marine ecosystems, introduce invasive species, and pollute the waters. The objective of this research is to analyze the environmental effects of port activities in Cotonou, Benin. The data comes from several sources, including field studies, research reports, and marine pollution data. The information includes water quality measurements, observations on marine biodiversity, and data on waste management practices in ports. The methods of analysis include case studies, statistical analyses of pollution data, and ecological impact assessments. Comparisons are made between port areas and surrounding marine areas to evaluate the effects of port activities. Risk assessment models are also used to understand the implications of the bioaccumulation of toxic substances in the food chain. The results of the research show that maritime transport is a major vector for the introduction of exotic species, which can disrupt local ecosystems. The discharge of hydrocarbons and solid waste has harmful effects on the health of aquatic organisms and raises concerns about the bioaccumulation of toxins. Dredging operations disturb marine habitats, burying organisms and introducing pollutants into the environment. Plastic waste poses a serious threat to marine life, leading to health issues for species and affecting the integrity of coastal ecosystems. The main hazards associated with port activities include fire, workplace and traffic accidents, water pollution, explosions, drownings, and contamination of the natural environment by toxic substances and accidental discharges. Discharges from ships at sea constitute one of the major sources of water pollution caused by maritime transport. Several types are observed. Cargo losses frequently occur during loading or unloading due to handling errors or faulty equipment. This can involve any type of goods.