Oil is regarded as a precious energy source, transported by ships and pipelines across the ocean and land. However, this has increased the number of oil spill accidents while transferring oil to vessels or due to pipeline breakage.
An oil spill can be dangerous for marine lives, turtles, and birds as it makes the water poisonous. These spills also contaminate the estuaries and coasts, causing severe health problems to humans.
Individuals preparing for UPSC 2022 can read this article to understand oil spills and the remedies to control them.
The points mentioned below will help them prepare detailed UPSC notes.
What is an Oil Spill?
An oil spill refers to an uncontrolled release of gasoline, crude oil, other oil products, and fuels into the environment. An oil spill can pollute water, air, and land by destroying natural habitats.
The production on continental shelves, petroleum exploration, and transportation in large vessels have increased the cases of oil spills.
According to Marine Insight, nearly 706 million gallons of waste oil pollute the ocean every year. Oil waste disposal and land drainage practices increase pollution levels in water bodies.
Ideally, accidents involving pipelines, oil tankers, or drilling rigs are the primary causes of oil spills in oceans, rivers, and bays.
Students preparing for UPSC prelims and IAS exams should know the impact of oil spills on the environment.
What is the Impact of Oil Spill on the Environment and Humans?
- Oil spill causes health hazards to natives depending on seafood.
- Crude oil destroys the insulating capacity of bird feathers and coats them will oil. Marine life and bird coated in oil are prone to hypothermia and death.
- Oil forms a thin layer on the ocean surfaces and prevents sufficient sunlight from entering the ocean surface. This reduces the dissolved oxygen levels in water, making it difficult for marine life to breathe.
- Ingesting toxic animals or preys kills predators, ultimately destroying the reproductive rate and habitat.
- Mangroves and saltwater marshes that protect the earth from natural disasters are prone to significant oil spills. This can be dangerous for the environment.
Apart from environmental impact, individuals preparing for the IAS exam should know the economic impact of an oil spill.
What are the Economic Impacts?
- Oil spills can lead to disruptions of recreational and commercial fisheries.
- Tourism and commercial losses are prevalent when the beaches and shorelines are polluted.
- The power plants that need seawater for functioning are severely affected by oil spills.
Individuals preparing for competitive exams should know these factors to answer the oil spill UPSC questions confidently.
What are the Remedies to control Oil Spills?
- Bioremediation
This technique uses bacteria to clean up the oil spills in the ocean. Ideally, specific bacteria can bioremediate contaminants like hydrocarbons in gasoline and oil.
The bioremediation technique uses bacteria like Cycloclasticus, Oleispira, Paraperlucidibaca, and Thalassolituus Zhongshania to eliminate contaminants.
According to a report by The Times of India, the National Institute of Ocean Technology have found isolated microbes that can remove toxic polycyclic aromatic compounds in crude oil. These microbes flourish on hydrocarbons at a depth of 2100 m in the Indian exclusive economic zone.
In 2020, the National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, developed an Eco-Friendly Crude Oil Bioremediation technology to clean the oil spills.
- Containment Booms
Scientists use booms or floating barriers to restrict oil from spreading into the ocean. This also helps in quick removals and dispersal of oil.
- Skimmers
Skimmers are devices used to separate spilled oil from the water surface.
- Sorbents
Sorbents like volcanic ash, straw and polyester-derived plastic shavings help absorb oil from water.
- Dispersing Agents
Chemicals that contain compounds or surfactants that break oil into tiny droplets are used to clean the water bodies.
Hopefully, following this article will help IAS and UPSC exam aspirants prepare well. They can also check the news platforms and educational portals to find detailed information on the oil spill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is marine oil spills?
The accidental release of crude oil and refined products to the water bodies is called a marine oil spill.
How do oil spills affect tourism?
Oil spills lead to economic losses as the coasts and affect marine life. Tourists would avoid visiting the areas in fear of health issues.
Where does oil spill incident occur the most?
The Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea are the hot spots for oil spills from vessels.
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