Journal of Coastal Zone Management

Coastal Water Pollution and its Causes

John Hey^* Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Bangladesh
^*Correspondence: John Hey, Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Bangladesh, Email:

Received: 03-Dec-2021 Published: 24-Dec-2021

Introduction

Coastal contamination has happened on practically all beaches that have become tourist destinations, in addition to sea pollution or ocean pollution. The amount of waste strewn along the coast is one of the hallmarks of coastal pollution that we can see right away. Oil spills and the disruption of coastal ecological balance are two other characteristics of contaminated beaches. We must understand the causes of coastal pollution in order to prevent it from occurring.

Causes of Coastal Pollution

There are several factors that can produce coastal pollution. Natural elements as well as human activities play a role in the reasons we are about to learn about. The following are some of the reasons of coastal pollution in Indonesia.

Beach abrasion

The process of coastline regression from its prior position is known as abrasion, also known as coastal erosion. Natural forces such as wind blowing across the water, which produces strong waves, such as ocean waves, induce this abrasion. Continuously occurring large ocean waves might hasten the abrasion process. Abrasion not only reduces the distance between the water and the land, narrowing coastal areas, but it also displaces coastal fish assemblages, making it harder for fishermen to fish by the sea.

Pollution of inorganic waste

Pollution levels are highest in highly populated coastal locations. Pollution from household garbage, particularly inorganic waste such as plastic bottles and cans, which are difficult to degrade, is one source of pollution in coastal habitats. One plastic bottle, for example, takes 450 years to break. Chemicals in each component could have a negative impact on the environment. The coastal ecosystem's long-term viability is clearly threated as a result of this. We can't say that organic waste is safer than inorganic waste or that inorganic waste is safer than organic garbage. Instead, let us begin with ourselves to care for the earth.

Over-exploitation of natural resources

Sand mining, coral reef mining, and overfishing are all examples of coastal exploitation. To catch an abundance of fish, many fishermen employ non-environmentally friendly fishing equipment. Coral reef environment is undoubtedly harmed as a result of this. Due to the lack of coral reefs and sea sand, the depth of shallow water increases, causing ocean waves to not be hushed and instead rush to the shore with great force.

Beach reclamation

Sea level rise that isn't well-planned can lead to coastal areas near reclamation sinking. Furthermore, seawater can rise to the surface, contaminating and saltifying groundwater. This is extremely harmful to coastal communities, particularly those who raise crops.

Damage to coral reefs

Destructive fishing practices, such as the use of explosives and poisonous materials, pollute numerous coral reefs. Furthermore, coral mining, coastal reclamation, irresponsible tourism, and sedimentation as a result of increased erosion all contribute to the deterioration of coral reef habitat.

Coast damage

Pollution not only harms or kills the biotic components of the waters, but it also puts the health of individuals who come into contact with contaminated biota or waters at risk. Furthermore, pollution can detract from the beauty of polluted coastal and marine waterways.

Biological resources

So far, there have been four water areas where biological resources such as fish and green turtles have died. Pollution, overfishing, and rising sea surface temperatures are the leading causes of these deaths.

Conclusions

The following activities can be carried out to prevent coastal pollution

• Coastal areas should be managed as a whole. The goal of integrated management is to protect, maintain, and wisely utilize resources. This can be accomplished by developing a management philosophy that is long-term, visionary, blends economic and ecological concerns, and involves the community.

• Fishermen's actions in carrying out fishing must utilize ecologically friendly fishing gear while locating the right area and performing the proper operation.

• Form coastlines by engaging in beach fill activities.