Question

Why is oil entering the ocean a concern? A. The presence of oil can reduce water quality. B. The presence of oil in the water is not harmful to marine life. C. Large spills can be easy to clean up. D. The presence of oil can improve water quality.

Short answer

Oil reduces water quality (Option A).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Problem

We need to determine why the presence of oil in the ocean is a concern. The options provided give different statements about the effects of oil in ocean water.

Analyzing Each Option

- Option A suggests that oil reduces water quality. This is true because oil can contaminate water, making it unsuitable for marine life and human use. - Option B states that oil is not harmful to marine life, which is incorrect since oil can cause significant harm to marine organisms. - Option C implies that large spills are easy to clean up, but in reality, they are very challenging and expensive to manage. - Option D posits that oil improves water quality, which is false since oil contamination degrades water quality.

Selecting the Correct Answer

From the analysis, Option A is the most valid reason for concern, as the presence of oil indeed reduces water quality, impacting marine ecosystems and human health.

Key concepts

Impact on Marine Ecosystems

Oil pollution in the ocean can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems. When oil enters the water, it spreads rapidly over the surface, forming a thin layer known as an oil slick. This slick can block sunlight from reaching the ocean depths, which is essential for photosynthesis. Without sunlight, marine plants like phytoplankton, which form the base of the food web, cannot survive.
As these plants die, it causes a ripple effect up the food chain. Other creatures, such as fish and larger marine animals, depend on phytoplankton for food. Additionally, oil can stick to the feathers of seabirds and the fur of marine mammals. This affects their ability to float and keep warm.
Ingesting oil-contaminated water or prey can lead to poisoning and death in marine animals. Furthermore, the longer the oil remains in the environment, the more extensive the damage becomes, often leading to long-term ecological consequences.

Effects on Water Quality

Oil in ocean water significantly reduces water quality, posing threats to both marine life and humans who depend on clean water. Oil contamination makes the water unsuitable for drinking, swimming, or fishing, directly affecting human health and livelihoods.
When oil spills occur, they release toxic substances into the water. These toxins can include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals. Such contaminants can persist in the environment for long periods, accumulating in the tissues of marine organisms.
This bioaccumulation leads to serious health problems for marine animals and can also affect humans who consume contaminated seafood. Efforts to remove oil are often difficult, costly, and not always completely effective, leaving residual oil that continues to degrade water quality.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of oil pollution extends beyond just marine ecosystems and water quality. Besides the immediate physical damage, oil spills can cause long-term harm to both the environment and economies.
Coastal areas can take years or even decades to recover from a significant oil spill. This recovery period affects not only the natural environment but also industries such as tourism and fishing. The disruption of these activities can lead to substantial economic losses for coastal communities reliant on these industries.
Moreover, oil spill clean-up operations often involve the use of chemical dispersants, which break down oil but can also harm marine life. Though well-intentioned, these methods may add another layer of environmental damage, highlighting the complexity of managing oil spills and the importance of preventing them in the first place.