Pollution: marinas and boating activities

Published: November 23, 2009, 4:53 pm

Source: NOAA

Topics:

Human Health (main) Ecotoxicology (main) Consumer Issues (main) Environmental Monitoring (main) Pollution Prevention (main) Water (main) Waste Management (main) Pollution (main)

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Pollution: Marinas and Boating Activities

A popular recreational activity, boating can also contribute to nonpoint source pollution. Chemicals used on boats may spill into the water; spilled fuel can also contaminate waters around marinas. (Source: NOAA)

Marinas and boating activities can also contribute to nonpoint source pollution. Chemicals used to maintain and repair boats, such as solvents, oils, paints, and cleansers, may spill into the water, or make their way into waterbodies via runoff. Spilling fuel (gasoline or oil) at marinas or discharging uncombusted fuels from engines also contribute to nonpoint source pollution. In addition, poorly maintained sanitary waste systems aboard boats or poorly maintained pump-out stations at marinas can significantly increase bacteria and nutrient levels in the water.

Reference

• NOAA National Ocean Service Education—Nonpoint Source Pollution: Marinas and Boating Activities

Further Reading

• Pollution: a brief history
• Point source pollution
• Nonpoint source pollution
• Pollution: agricultural operations
• Pollution: atmospheric inputs
• Pollution: forestry and mining operations
• Pollution: urban and suburban areas

Citation

(2009). Pollution: marinas and boating activities. Retrieved from http://editors.eol.org/eoearth/wiki/Pollution:_marinas_and_boating_activities