Oil Spills

Every time oil is extracted there is the risk of oil spills. When crude oil is spilled into a marine environment it can cause many different problems.

Oil Spills and Environmental Damage

In many oil pollution spills involving tankers or offshore wells, the oil spills could catch light. Then, when the oil burns it produces gases that lead to global warming and acid rain, as well as other toxic gas emissions that can cause pollution. Even if the oil doesn't catch fire, the less dense components will eventually evaporate into the atmosphere causing much the same effect.

After a few hours, the denser parts of the oil spills forms a sticky mixture with the water called 'mousse'. This may then mix with sediment on the sea floor to create a tar like substance that can destroy the habitats of bottom dwelling organisms, as well as wash up on beaches several miles from the spill itself. The oil can then leak into any reservoirs that extend under the beaches, contaminating local wells.

Oil spills can also harm marine life in different ways; poisoning after ingestion; direct contact; and destroying habitats. The oil may be ingested by fish through their gills, or by animals that attempt to clean themselves. Ingesting the oil can destroy a creature's internal organs, and interferes with the reproductive process.

Direct contact with spills can destroy the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, and the water-repelling abilities of a bird's feathers, exposing them to the harsh elements. The Exxon Valdez oil spill disaster resulted in the death of 5000 otters, predominantly because of ingesting oil.

Oil Spill Cleanup Operations

Once an oil spill has occurred, there are several ways in which the damage may be limited and a cleanup of the spill effected. The most common methods employed are containment and recovery, dispersal, bioremediation and burning.

There are many different tools available for organizations wishing to use a containment and recovery of policy for oil pollution and spills. Long floating booms can be placed around any oil spills acting as fences to contain the oil and prevent it from washing ashore. Once contained, skimmers can de used to separate the oil from the water, or sorbents can be placed in the spill to soak up the oil and be recovered later.

Chemical dispersants may be used to break up oil spills into millions of small globules. These smaller particles are more easily dispersed and carried out to sea, but rather than eliminating the problem this solution simply spreads the effects over a much wider area.

Bioremediation involves enhancing the biological degradation of oil spills by adding microbes and fertilizers. This tends to be a better oil spill cleanup solution when it has washed up on shore rather than in deep water. This is so that the degradation agents have a chance to work on the oil.

Burning is seldom used as it spreads the pollution caused by oil spills (as described above) rather than removing it from the natural environment.