Which is the most polluted ocean in the world?

The North Pacific Ocean is considered the most polluted ocean in the world. It is home to one of the largest environmental disasters of modern times — the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This massive accumulation of plastic and debris floats between Hawaii and California, covering an estimated area twice the size of Texas.

The North Pacific is especially vulnerable to pollution because of its circular ocean currents, known as the North Pacific Gyre. These currents trap floating debris, causing plastics, fishing nets, microplastics, and other waste to concentrate in one region rather than dispersing. Once trapped, these materials break down very slowly and continue to pollute the marine ecosystem for decades or even centuries.

Human activity is the main source of this pollution. Coastal cities, shipping routes, and industrial activity in countries around the Pacific contribute enormous amounts of plastic waste, chemical discharge, and oil spills. Unlike organic matter, plastics do not biodegrade; instead, they fragment into microplastics, which are eaten by fish, seabirds, and other marine life. This disrupts the food chain and poses risks to human health when contaminated seafood is consumed.

The pollution problem in the North Pacific Ocean is not limited to plastics. High levels of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and agricultural runoff also enter the waters, further damaging marine habitats. Species such as turtles, dolphins, and seabirds are particularly affected, often mistaking floating debris for food.

In comparison, the Indian Ocean and Arctic Ocean also face pollution issues, but the scale and concentration of waste in the North Pacific make it the worst-affected.

Therefore, the correct answer is the North Pacific Ocean (Option B), which stands as the most polluted ocean in the world due to the accumulation of massive amounts of human waste.