Since the end of the last century, humanity entered a new era, the chemical era.  This is characterized by the amazing development of big industry, at least in developed countries, and a consequent increasing use of chemical products in many fields. It should be emphasized that this spectacular progress in chemistry and technology has brought with it immense economic and social benefits and, therefore an indisputable improvement in the living standard of those populations involved. However as usual there is another side to the coin and the risks of the harm that might result from man’s exposure to toxins and ever ever-increasing number of chemical products in modern life should not be forgotten.

Furthermore, it has a big influential factor on climate too, which leads to rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and changing currents that disrupt marine ecosystems. Coral reefs, which are hotspots of biodiversity, are particularly vulnerable. Many species rely on coral reefs for shelter, breeding grounds, and food sources. The loss of coral reefs due to climate change can lead to the decline of numerous marine species, affecting biodiversity which is essential for human health. In the next chapter, I am going to write the essence of it. Many marine organisms, such as certain species of sponges, corals, and mollusks, produce compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications.

These compounds are being studied for their anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory, properties, among others. I will give you several examples of them

·  Ziconotide is one of the new intrathecal analgesic medications used to treat chronic pain. Derived from the venom of the cone snail

·  Aplidin- being studied for anti-cancer properties, this drug is obtained from the marine tunicate

·  Bryostatin – has shown the potential to treat some neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. And we have more medications such as Cyanothece, Halichondrin, Salinosporamide, and Dolastatin. In the field of ecotoxicology, there is the term Bioaccumulation – which means increasing the concentration of substances in living organisms, because they absorb faster than they metabolize or excrete. It is characterized mostly by aquatic organisms and  Substance like mercury known by its bioaccumulative properties, which can lead to serious problems in the human body such as muscle weakness, poor coordination, numbness in the hands and feet, skin rashes, anxiety, memory problems, trouble speaking, trouble hearing, or trouble seeing. Also one of the known diseases is Minamata disease which is caused by methylmercury poisoning when a person eats heavily contaminated seafood.

To sum up, the 21st century is a time of technology and chemicals, but this has a big impact on human health and many organisms around us especially in Equatoria. Which organisms we are getting as food daily or getting many compounds that are significant to treat diseases? Our daily routine life is full of harmful actions for maritime organisms. Contamination of the equator, depletion of the ozone layer, acidic rain, and all these stuff affects our health too.

To deal with these we need to give information to society on how our action affects our health. Universities, schools, and companies should take action. BAU International University Batumi is always ready to raise awareness about global challenges, including conservation and a culture of social responsibility.  Society needs to understand that by polluting oceans, seas, and rivers we are destroying our biodiversity and killing our planet.     

l Era’s Impact on Oceans and Marine Health