A new research study has provided fresh insights into the potential of bioremediation in decomposing diesel and other petroleum oils post oil spills in the icy seawater off the Canadian Arctic. This follows an initiative by the National Institute of Ocean Technology in Chennai, which developed an Eco-Friendly Crude Oil Bioremediation technology in 2020.
Understanding Oil-Spills
An oil spill implies an unregulated release of oil products – crude or gasoline, fuels – into the environment, causing pollution of land, air, and water. However, the term is predominantly used to describe oceanic oil spills.
Major Causes of Oil Spills
Increased petroleum exploration and production on continental shelves, along with heavy transport of oil in vessels, have led to an escalation in oil spills, posing a significant environmental issue. Most common reasons for oil spills are accidents involving tankers, barges, pipelines, refineries, drilling rigs, and storage facilities. Recreational boats and natural disasters also contribute to these occurrences.
Environmental Impacts of Oil Spills
Oil spills pose numerous threats, including health hazards to indigenous people reliant on seafood, and damage to aquatic life, as the oil obstructs sunlight penetration and reduces oxygen levels. The oil layer impacts birds’ feathers and marine mammals’ fur, causing hypothermia. Ingested oil is toxic and can affect animals’ habitat, reproductive rates, and overall welfare. In addition, oil spills can severely damage saltwater marshes and mangroves.
Economic Repercussions of Oil Spills
Economically, oil spills can hamper tourism and commerce, especially if beaches and populated shorelines are fouled. Power plants and utilities drawing or discharging seawater are also affected adversely. Consequently, major oil spills often lead to the immediate suspension of commercial fishing.
Remedial Measures for Oil Spills
Bioremediation involves using bacteria like Paraperlucidibaca, Cycloclasticus, Oleispira, Thalassolituus Zhongshania and others to clean up oil spills, targeting specific contaminants such as hydrocarbons present in oil and gasoline. Other remedies include containment booms or floating barriers that restrict oil spread and facilitate its recovery or removal, skimmers for separating spilled oil from water, sorbents that absorb oil from the water, and dispersing agents that break down oil into small droplets, accelerating its natural dispersion into the sea.
India’s Legal Framework for Managing Oil Spills
Presently, India lacks a specific law covering oil spills or consequential environmental damage. However, the country follows the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan 1996 (NOS-DCP), updated last in March 2006, for handling oil spills. The Indian Coast Guard coordinates with state departments, ministries, port authorities, and environmental agencies under this plan. Additionally, India ratified the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 (Bunker Convention) to ensure adequate compensation for oil spill-caused damage. This convention is administered by the International Maritime Organization.
