oil is ablack liquid widely used throughout society. This liquid is so important in the world that for some it is called black gold. It is used in the manufacture of many materials, such as tires, plastic materials, some fabrics, etc., and mainly in fuels (alcohol, gasoline and diesel), which move the means of transport.
When an oil spill occurs, the main damage is the environment, because, in addition to polluting the water, it also harms all the animals and plants that live there.
Oil spill at sea
That oil spill it can have numerous causes, such as accidents with oil tankers, leaks in tanks on oil tankers, accidents on platforms where oil is explored, among many other reasons.
All aquatic animals are harmed by the oil spill. Fish, when in contact with oil, die from asphyxia, as the oil settles in their gills, preventing them from exchanging gas with the environment. With no fish in the sea and polluted water, people who make a living from fishing are also very disadvantaged.
Fish, with the presence of oil in their gills, cannot breathe and die from asphyxia
Seabirds, in addition to becoming intoxicated, have their feathers covered in oil, unable to fly or maintain body temperature. With that they can die of the cold. Marine mammals also have their fur impregnated with oil, unable to maintain their body temperature – thus, they also end up dying.
Oil covered birds
A part of the oil spreads over the surface of the water forming a thin layer that reduces the passage of light and does not allow the process of photosynthesis carried out by seaweed. With this, the marine flora is completely destroyed and many animals that feed on it die for lack of food.
Oil spilled on the high seas often reaches the beaches, making them unsuitable for bathing.
Many means have been and are still being developed to collect the oil that sometimes spills into the sea.
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