answersLogoWhite

0

Oil Spills

Questions related to the causes and effects of an oil spill, and ways of cleaning them up should be asked here.

1,162 Questions

What effect does transportation have on air pollution?

Transportation is a significant contributor to air pollution, emitting pollutants like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Vehicles that rely on fossil fuels release these pollutants into the air, leading to smog, respiratory issues, and environmental damage. Switching to cleaner modes of transportation, such as electric vehicles or public transit, can help reduce air pollution levels.

Is gliricidia a poisonous plant?

Based on my personal experience and the information I read, poison is made out of the gliricidia plant for the insects and is harmful to the pesticides.

To humans it is not safe, it causes allergy to the skin, rashes are formed and gives an itching to the skin, the kids generally have fever high fever.

Basically it should be ideal for this plant to be situated in the forest or hills not in the residential area.

How does a oil spill affect the ozone layer?

Oil spills primarily impact the marine and coastal ecosystems by harming marine life and habitats. They do not directly affect the ozone layer, as ozone depletion is caused by the release of certain chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere, not by oil spills.

Will crude oil float on water or sink?

Most (but not all) oil is less dense than water.

That oil which is less dense than water will float.

That oil which is denser than water will sink.

What happened to the stomata when you applied oil on to the leaves?

Applying oil on the leaves can clog the stomata, reducing their ability to exchange gases with the environment. This can lead to decreased photosynthesis and can hinder the plant's ability to respire properly.

How lightly is it for the oil in the gulf disaster to enter gulf stream?

It is unlikely, at least for the immediate future. When there are so many variables involved, it is very difficult to predict. Wind and gulf currents are important factors which do not remain constant. To enter the gulf stream, it must first enter the loop current. So far, the oil spill has not entered the loop current, at least in noticeable quantities. The longer oil stays in the gulf, the better as natural forces will degrade and disperse the oil.

A forecast of the next two days movement is attached. Note the colors in the graphs are ocean surface temperatures.

What would the microbes do after eating up all the oil?

After consuming the oil, the microbes would metabolize it into simpler compounds to generate energy and grow. Some microbes may also store excess energy as intracellular reserves or grow and reproduce to increase their population size. Eventually, they may return to a dormant state until they encounter more oil or another suitable food source.

Why is aquatic food chain longer than those of land animals?

Aquatic food chains tend to be longer than land food chains because aquatic ecosystems often have more diverse and abundant species at each trophic level. The availability of different habitats and a greater variety of food sources in aquatic environments allows for more complex interactions and energy transfer among organisms, resulting in longer food chains. Additionally, the presence of phytoplankton, which form the base of many aquatic food chains, supports a larger number of higher trophic levels.

Which Bacterial strain developed from natural isolates by genetic manipulation can be used for treating Oil spill?

Metabolic engineering involves redirecting a cell's metabolism to achieve a particular goal using recombinant engineering. This technique has been used to create bacterial strains that degrade chlorinated ethenes through the addition of several cloned enzymes to the cell. Metabolic engineering has also been used successfully to handle difficult mixtures of pollutants.

Is the BP well in international waters?

The BP Deepwater Horizon well is located in the Gulf of Mexico, which is considered international waters. However, it falls under the jurisdiction of the United States government due to its proximity to the country's coastline.

Do oil spills evaporate in salt water?

Not entirely. The oil that spilled in the gulf coast will change in composition with time, due to evaporation and biological processes. It may exist the well head as a light oil and wash up later on beaches as an oil emulsion, or tar balls with a much higher viscosity.

How can envirnmental disasters like the oil leak in Mexico be prevented?

Environmental disasters like oil leaks can be prevented by implementing stricter regulations for offshore drilling, improving safety technology and protocols, conducting regular inspections of oil rigs, and holding companies accountable for any violations of environmental laws. It is also important for companies to invest in research and development of cleaner energy sources to move towards more sustainable practices.

Why can nanoparticles of iron be used to clean up oil?

Iron nanoparticles can be used in the remediation of contaminated soil in certain cases- see related link.

The clean up of an offshore oil spill is different. Much of the spilled oil can not be recovered, however they are trying to mitigate the harmful effects by selective burning, skimmers, dispersants and containment booms.

How do you separate crude oil from sea water?

Crude oil and seawater can be separated using various techniques such as skimming, absorption, adsorption, and centrifugation. Skimming involves physically removing the oil layer from the surface of the water. Absorption and adsorption use materials to attract and capture the oil from the water. Centrifugation uses centrifugal force to separate the oil and water phases based on their different densities.

How can you stop oil spill?

Oil spills can be stopped by quickly containing the source of the spill, using physical barriers like booms to contain and prevent further spreading, skimming the oil off the water surface, and using dispersants and sorbents to break down and absorb the oil. It is also important to have prompt response plans in place and minimize the impacts on wildlife and the environment.

What damage cannot be repaired from an oil spill?

Damage to wildlife, such as long-term impacts on populations or species extinction, cannot always be fully repaired after an oil spill. Additionally, certain habitats, like sensitive marshlands or coral reefs, may suffer irreparable harm from oil contamination. Lastly, the economic losses and impacts on local communities from a significant oil spill can sometimes be long-lasting and difficult to fully recover from.

Why is dry cleaning so bad for the environment?

Dry cleaning uses chemicals such as perchloroethylene (PERC) that are toxic and can pollute the air, water, and soil. Improper disposal of these chemicals can lead to environmental contamination, and the energy-intensive process of dry cleaning contributes to carbon emissions and air pollution. Additionally, the waste generated from dry cleaning can be difficult to manage and dispose of safely.

What is used to soak up oil that has been spilled?

Materials such as absorbent pads, booms, or granular absorbents like clay are commonly used to soak up spilled oil. These materials help contain and absorb the oil, preventing it from spreading further and facilitating the cleanup process. Proper disposal of the oil-soaked materials is important to prevent environmental harm.

How long does a oil spill take to clean?

If you mean, "How long ago did it occur," then the actual explosion that triggered the spill occurred on April 20th, 2010. If you are referring to the duration of the spill, then it is technically still an issue.

Remedial measures of pollution created by plastic bags?

Remedial measures for plastic bag pollution include implementing bans or fees on plastic bags, promoting the use of reusable bags, implementing recycling programs specifically for plastic bags, and educating the public about the environmental impact of plastic bags. Efforts to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives are crucial in addressing plastic bag pollution.

When is fertillisation is mostly likely to happen?

Fertilization is most likely to occur when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell during sexual reproduction. This typically happens in the fallopian tube of a female's reproductive system after ovulation.

Is diesel fuel heavier than water?

Yes, diesel fuel is heavier than water. Water has a density of 1 gram per cubic centimeter, while diesel fuel has a density of about 0.85-0.90 grams per cubic centimeter. This means that diesel fuel will sink in water.

What is a spill tamer kit?

A spill tamer kit is a product designed to contain and clean up spills of various substances, such as oil, chemicals, or other hazardous materials. These kits typically include absorbent materials, protective gear, and tools needed to safely manage and clean up spills. They are essential for preventing environmental contamination and ensuring workplace safety.

Can friction happen with oil?

Yes, friction can still occur with oil, but the presence of oil can reduce friction between two surfaces by acting as a lubricant. The oil forms a thin film between the surfaces, allowing them to slide past each other more easily, thereby reducing friction.