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On the surface of the oceans float thin layers of oil. Their origin? The human hand, according to a study published this Thursday, June 16 in the journal Science. By mapping oil spills in the seas on a global scale, a team of American and Chinese researchers have discovered that 94% of this pollution is caused by human activities, and therefore only 6% is natural.
Why is this unique. Previous studies, dating from the years 1990-1999, estimated that approximately half of marine hydrocarbon leaks were of natural origin, and the other half of anthropogenic origin. An underestimate which is now largely outdated. However, these floating oil slicks can have deleterious effects on marine ecosystems. Identifying the sources of this pollution could facilitate the protection and regulation of the oceans in a targeted manner.
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