Ocean Pollution Sources: Trends from 1997 to 2007

The pie charts compare the sources of environmental contaminants in one ocean region between 1997 and 2007. In general, air pollutants were the major factor that contaminated the ocean over this decade.

In 1997, the seawater region showed that almost one-third of pollutants came from the air, making it the most dominant pollution source. Domestic industrial waste also contributed greatly, accounting for 22%. Marine waste and transport combined made up about 35%, while farm waste, oil spills, and litter were only minor contributors to regional pollution.

By 2007, although the percentage of air pollutants had increased by an additional 3% compared to the previous decade, it had been surpassed by the significant increase in domestic industrial waste, which had risen to 36%. Additionally, oil spills had contributed 15% of contaminants, which was three times higher than before. However, farm waste, marine waste, and transport were no longer influential.

Interestingly, litter, which accounted for 4% of pollutants in 1997, had been completely eradicated by 2007. This may be an indicator of environmental improvement.