Research Log #3

Date: November 13, 2017

Name: Cal Kodama
EQ: How is ocean pollution affecting the health of this invaluable resource?

Three Points to Prove:

#1: Plastic affects the ocean.
#2: Oil pollution harms the ocean.
#3: Industrial pollution devistates ocean health.
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Point that this Source/Information Proves: #3: Industrial pollution devistates ocean health.

Excerpts (These should provide insight into the designated Point to Prove):

“There is evidence that the oceans have suffered at the hands of mankind for millennia, as far back as
Roman times. But recent studies show that degradation, particularly of shoreline areas, has accelerated
dramatically in the past three centuries as industrial discharge and runoff from farms and coastal cities
has increased.”

“Pollution is the introduction of harmful contaminants that are outside the norm for a given ecosystem.
Common man-made pollutants that reach the ocean include pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers,
detergents, oil, sewage, plastics, and other solids.”

“Many of these pollutants collect at the ocean's depths, where they are consumed by small marine
organisms and introduced into the global food chain. Scientists are even discovering that
pharmaceuticals ingested by humans but not fully processed by our bodies are eventually ending up in the
fish we eat.”

Analysis (How does this source support the Point to Prove?):

The ocean has seen pollution since the time of the Romans. Many types of man made objects get run
down to the ocean like plastics, pesticides, oils, sewage, etc. These types of pollution can settle at the
bottom of the ocean, stay afloat or be washed up on shore. Pollution that collects at the bottom of the
ocean can be eaten by small organisms and in recent research has shown up in pharmaceuticals that
contain these organisms.

Pollution is not only limited to physical objects. Noise pollution can be very harmful to various types of
marine animals. Sound waves can travel through miles upon miles of open ocean, the concept is the same
with light pollution. Loud noises can come from ships, oil rigs, and even natural events like earthquakes.
The overall effect of noise pollution can include disruption in migration, reproduction, hunting and
communication.
Work Cited (correct MLA format):

“Marine Pollution.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, National Geographic Partners,
LLC., 13 June 2017, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/oceans/critical-issues-marine-pollution/.

I am assuming that this is a reputable and reliable article because National Geographic is a non-profit
organization that conveys detailed editorials about pressing science matters, government issues, and
other matters across all types of social media and publishing types.