1. Marine Pollution
Chapter 25

2. Any substance that does not belong in an environment can be deemed a pollutant.

3. Anthropogenic pollutants result from human activities; they include exhaust from cars, chemicals from factories, and trash.

4. Organic pollutants are pollutants that contain the element carbon
Organic pollutants are pollutants that contain the element carbon. Examples: Sewage, pesticides, oil …

5. Inorganic pollutants are not carbon-based and include metals, detergents, and fertilizers.

7. Marine debris – type of pollution with both land and ocean sources
Marine debris – type of pollution with both land and ocean sources. This material persists and is not broken down. Examples: plastics, glass, Styrofoam.

8. Ghost gear (ALDFG)– abandoned lost and degraded fishing gear that can trap and kill marine organisms tangled within it

9. Biodegradable – capable of being broken down by natural processes
Biodegradable – capable of being broken down by natural processes. Examples: orange peels, leftover spaghetti, foliage…

10. Plastic is not biodegradable but does break down into plastic nodules, which is a toxin that floats along with phytoplankton.