Interactions Between Oceans and Terrestrial Ecosystems

Abstract

The interactions between the different ecosystems are of importance, when pollution problems are penetrated. Even if oceans often are the sink for many pollutants, it is, however, possible that a transport takes place from the sea to the air. This material is later washed out over the continents. DDT may assemble in the thin oilslicks on the oceans and may be airborne in the breaker zones along the coasts. Also sulphur may leave the marine environment and by forming sulphuric acid contribute to the acidity in the rainwater.

In Sweden the interest is focused on two main pollution problems: the mercury situation and the acid rains. The lesson learnt is, that the pollutants move freely between air, water, soil and living organisms. There are also indications that these two pollution complexes are interlocked. The total environment must always be considered and the global pollution dynamics is of utmost importance.