The reasons and the effects of sea pollution were examined at CIU

At an event organized by the Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Engineering, Environmental Engineering program, a discussion was held in relation to the reasons and the effects of pollution of the seas, which are of great importance to island countries. At the event that was organized online, CIU Faculty of Engineering, Environmental Engineering Program Coordinator Prof. Dr. Rana Kıdak, made some statements in relation to the reasons why pollution of the sea occurs, and the consequences of it.

Drawing attention to the fact that sea pollution is a threat to human health, is an obstacle to all sea related activities including fishing, and is a vital environmental problem, Kıdak went on to say, “Sea pollution is a situation that arises as a result of direct or indirect disposal of all kinds of physical, chemical, biological and thermal wastes into the sea environment by humans, thus leading to a  deterioration of the natural balance”.

Especially drawing attention to the sea pollution caused by petrol, Prof. Dr. Kıdak went on to say, “Pollution such as this occurs while petrol is being extracted from the sea, or when there is an accident during international petrol transmission, that generally reaches disastrous levels”.

Kıdak advised that emergency intervention of the pollution occurred is quite difficult in disasters such as these, and elaborated, “Additionally, due to the fact that we can’t completely clean with the current technology we have, the pollution continues for years and the negative consequences of this also continues”.

Adding that terrestrial environmental pollution is also an increasing problem, Prof. Dr. Kıdak noted that this pollution ends up in the ultimate receiving environment, which is the sea and thus, the problem becomes a global one.

Drawing attention to the fact that toxic wastes such as heavy metals accumulate in the bodies of sea creatures, Kıdak went on to warn, "In this process, this pollution has begun to come to the tables of humans through these sea creatures ".

In her speech, Kıdak informed that with the various ecosystems that they contain, the seas and oceans are home to many activities that are vital for the continuation of life in the world, and elaborated further, “For example, seagrass is a great source of oxygen for our planet. The death of our seas may in time lead us towards an irreversible end and the world may become an uninhabitable place”.

Explaining that the new generation should spoil this unsustainable order, Kıdak concluded, "We believe that in order for people to lead a friendly life with their planet, that they will take the necessary steps for a conscious and knowledgeable life".