Navigating the blue economy: a comprehensive review of marine pollution and sustainable approaches

Marine pollution is a well-recognized phenomenon that has many negative effects on the marine environment. The effects of marine pollution are due to the discharge of hazardous materials, toxins, or other pollutants into the marine environment, which includes seas, estuaries, oceans, and other water bodies, and this unwanted input affects the blue economy. The blue economy, which includes industries and research associated with marine and ocean resources, is often affected by marine pollution on multiple levels, such as economic costs, direct resource impacts, health risks, and infrastructure damage. In one report, the pollution-related issues in many countries were estimated at 9 t/inh and cleanup costs between $12 to $160/t. More extensive pollution mitigation projects might take up to 15 years to conclude and cost up to $500/t. To better understand the role of marine pollution and its impact on the blue economy, some key parameters are discussed as follows: the role of biofouling, volatile organic compounds, the impact of metals, anionic pollutants, and antifouling coatings. The review findings also highlight the impact of marine pollution on ecosystems and associated economic activities, which could be reduced through measures such as better international cooperation, waste management, and the development of sustainable practices. Related information on the strategies and policies that could be adopted for sustainable blue economy are stated after each section.