Gulf oil spill now reaching Alabama, Misssissippi. May hit Florida next week.
The affects of oil spills on the marine environment has been carefully documented, especially since the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989. The oil that enter the ocean can come from different sources, accidental spills or leaks.
When oil is spilled like the one in the gulf , most of the volatile compounds evaporate quickly. The oil, however, remains floating on the surface of the water, and starts to disperse, forming a very thin film which can cover large areas of water.
One of the major concerns with this oil spills, is the effect on marine life. Which is essentially suffocating the plants and animals. Oil prevents oxygen and water exchange, causing the plants to die. Oil on the flesh of birds & mammals can literally kill them through suffocation. This layer of oil on birds feather or furry mammals like otters & seals can also strip away the birds water resistant coating. Including making it hard for them to fly. Clams, mussels & oysters can quickly accumulate toxins which can kill the animals or passed it up the food chain.
Oil spills disrupt the ability to breed, reproduce, grow, or perform other vital functions. These toxins can also cause cancers and other illnesses in the long term. This spill puts at risk such endangered species as Kemp's ridley sea turtles & Atlantic bluefin tuna, as well as the Gulf of Mexico's 8,300 other creatures from plankton to birds.
Expects say that on the seabed, where this oil has been spewing since April, is cold, around 40 degrees. Which won't allow the bacteria that breaksdown oil naturally as it would if were in shallower waters.
Copyright © 2010 Andrew Hayes for SOW Save Our Wildlife Blog. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned herein belong to their respective owners
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