Paper: GS – III, Subject: Environment Ecology, Topic: Pollution, Issue: Oil Spills.
Context:
A major environmental threat looms over Kerala as the cargo ship MSC ELSA 3, carrying oil and hazardous materials, sank off the state’s coast.
- Calcium carbide (CaC2) is a chemical that reacts with seawater to release acetylene gas, which is highly flammable and hazardous.
Key Takeaways:
What are Oil Spills?
- About: Oil Spills refer to the release of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons into the environment, particularly into oceans, rivers, or coastal waters as a result of human activities.
Impact of Hydrocarbon Releases on Marine Ecosystems, Coastal Livelihoods, and Human Health:
What are the Measures to Clean Oil Spills?
| Method | Description |
| Bioremediation | Uses oil-degrading bacteria (e.g., Cycloclasticus, Oleispira) to break down hydrocarbons; eco-friendly and accelerates natural detoxification. |
| Containment Booms | Floating barriers that restrict oil spread, aiding in containment, recovery, and minimizing environmental impact. |
| Skimmers | Mechanical devices that collect oil from the water surface for safe disposal or recycling; effective when deployed quickly. |
| Sorbents | They absorb or adsorb oil from water and are particularly useful for small spills or residual oil after primary cleanup. Natural sorbents (Straw, Volcanic ash), Synthetic (Polyester-derived plastic shavings). |
| Dispersing | Agents Surfactant-based chemicals that break oil into droplets for faster biodegradation. It is effective but may harm marine life due to its potential toxicity. |
The sinking of MSC ELSA 3 off the Kerala coast presents a significant ecological and economic threat due to the risk of oil and hazardous chemical spills. While no leakage has been reported yet, authorities are on high alert and have initiated preventive measures
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