Oil spills
Michail M. Yakimov
Mum: Grandma and I watched TV today and heard that a ship accident at sea caused an “oil spill” that seriously damaged the environment. What does it mean, an “oil spill”?
Modern life relies heavily on energy from fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and crude oil—a mix of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons (LPHs). These organic molecules, made of carbon and hydrogen, are toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic. Formed 50–350 million years ago, crude oil is found deep underground and must be extracted and transported. Accidents during these processes can cause severe environmental contamination.
Oil spills, the accidental release of LPHs into oceans from ships, refineries, or oil rigs, are among the most devastating marine disasters. They kill fish, marine mammals, and birds, and when oil reaches shores, it damages habitats, beaches, and human settlements. Notable spills, like the Amoco Cadiz, MT Haven, and BP/Deepwater Horizon disasters, have caused long-lasting environmental and economic damage, often requiring months or years of cleanup.
To address these challenges, significant efforts focus on advanced technologies, especially biotechnology, to mitigate oil spills and support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).