Editorial: Challenges in Marine Pollution Diagnosis

GIL MÓNICA N.; ANDRADE CARLOS; GIARRATANO, ERICA

FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE

Frontiers Media SA

Año: 2022 vol. 9

2296-7745

In the Anthropocene, legacy and contemporary anthropogenic pollutants as well as naturally occurring pollutants, have modified their behavioral patterns and exposure pathways in the oceanic environment. The factors that contribute to this trend include the increase in the number of so-call emerging pollutants (of which little is known), being ocean plastics (macro and microplastics) and pharmaceuticals among those of major concern. This whole scenario raises the toxicological risks and harmful effects to ecosystem health, to people?s physical, mental and social well-being and to marine-based socio-economic structures. Human beings long understood the key role of the oceans in the sustainable development of the planet. However, it is only recently that a comprehensive strategy emerged, partly due to the inclusion of the fourteenth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG14 - Life below water) (United Nations, 2015) and the subsequent creation of the Conference on the Oceans. In order to reach such an objective, championing good management decisions and appropriate prevention and mitigation efforts are of paramount importance and urgently needed. These actions are challenged by the certainty and timing of the marine pollution diagnosis. In particular, assessment of marine chemical pollution involves an intrinsic complexity, since the transport and fate of pollutants vary according to their own physical-chemical characteristics and origin, the specific attributes of the receiving ecosystems and the presence of other stressors. In that sense, a holistic understanding of the problem is required.