Question : The main source of marine pollution is:
Option 1: Oil spills
Option 2: Industrial waste
Option 3: Plastic waste
Option 4: Sewage discharge
Correct Answer: Plastic waste
Solution : The correct answer is (C) Plastic waste.
While all the options listed can contribute to marine pollution, plastic waste is considered the main source of marine pollution. Plastic materials, especially single-use plastics like bottles, bags, and packaging, are widely used and often end up in marine environments through improper disposal, littering, or inadequate waste management systems.
Plastic waste is particularly problematic because it does not biodegrade easily and can persist in the marine environment for long periods. It poses a significant threat to marine life, as animals can become entangled in plastic debris or mistake it for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement-related injuries and deaths.