Chapter 13: Chemical pollutants in the marine environment: causes, effects, and challenges

Any toxic or contaminating substance that is likely to have an adverse effect on the natural environment or life can be considered a pollutant. Chemical pollutants, present in every marine environment from the tropics to the poles, can enter marine ecosystems in many ways, but the most significant sources are terrestrial in origin. Consequently, understanding and controlling human and land-based inputs are critical for effective management.