An oil spill involves a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon entering a terrestrial or marine ecosystem. It looks like a rainbow shine in parking lots after rain. Each year, about 20 thousand oil spills occur in the world, which cannot but worry the global environmental communities and ordinary inhabitants of the planet.
Why is oil spilled?
This happens as a result of industrial and natural accidents. For example, spills can occur due to hurricanes in the oceans. As for technogenic reasons, these are mainly malfunctions in pipelines, barges, drilling rigs and storage facilities. Also, spills can occur in the event of breakdown or special damage to the equipment, or if it is handled carelessly.
What then?
The consequences depend on which oil spilled. This oily liquid does not mix with water, so it begins to float on the surface, forming a thin layer called an oil stain. Over time, this layer becomes even thinner and looks like a shine (similar to what can be seen in the parking lots when it rains).
Harm
Ecological damage is caused not only by the oil spill, but also by the operation for its cleaning. Oil is harmful to both marine and terrestrial inmates. In most cases, it floats on the surface, therefore, seabirds in contact with surface waters suffer the most. Oil covers their down and feathers, which leads to the impossibility of normal regulation of body temperature.
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Different types of oil affect marine life in water in different ways. Light oils (gasoline and diesel) are volatile and evaporate quickly after a spill. This means that pollution will not remain in the pond for long. At the same time, some of these oils are toxic and explosive, therefore, in contact with a sea creature they can kill it. There is a danger to people who inhale toxic fumes.
Heavy bunker oils (used to refuel ships) are sticky, black and can remain in the pond until they are removed. They are more persistent, but at the same time less toxic than light. The threat of heavy oils is that they can choke fish and marine animals. Over time, this oil hardens and becomes like asphalt.
