Chapter 3 - Estuarine and Marine Pollutants

With the notable exception of the methyl mercury poisoning event in Minamata Bay, Japan, in the 1950s, chemical pollutants, unlike pathogens and toxic algal blooms, rarely cause hospitalisation or instant death. Effects with respect to human health are far more subtle and are typically chronic rather than acute. Consumption of contaminated seafood is the major route of uptake and has implications with respect to increasing aquaculture. Marine aerosols afford another route of exposure for man. Typically, the socio-economic factors are most importantly affected through loss of amenities, ecology and produce, leading to degradation of the environment and, for example, reductions in tourism. This chapter complements those dealing with microbial pollution and harmful algal blooms, and addresses priority pollutants, emerging contaminants presently under scrutiny (including nanoparticles) and plastics. It also discusses the problems associated with evaluating complex mixtures of contaminants to which biota (including humans) are usually exposed. Climate change implications and its effects on pollution are also investigated. Finally, future issues of concern are debated.