oil

• What state do pollutants have that gives them high mobility?

  Liquid state
• Why do pollutants with lower density than water sit on top?

  Because they are less dense than water
• What is the effect of being not water soluble on pollutants?

  It reduces their dispersal in water
• What is the consequence of some chemicals being liposoluble?

  They can bioaccumulate and biomagnify
• What property of pollutants can make them adhesive?

  Adhesiveness
• What does low specificity in pollutants imply?

  They affect various organisms
• What are two harmful characteristics of pollutants?

  Toxic and carcinogenic
• What does it mean for a pollutant to be biodegradable?

  It can be broken down by microorganisms
• What is a property of some fractions of pollutants?

  They have low boiling points
• Where do most oil pollutants come from?

  Land sources
• What percentage of oil pollution comes from human sources?

  90%
• When did the Exxon Valdez spill occur?

  1989
• What happened during the Exxon Valdez spill?

  A tanker ran aground
• What was a significant environmental impact of the Exxon Valdez spill?

  Polluted a pristine environment
• Why was biodegradation of oil slow after the Exxon Valdez spill?

  Due to the cold temperatures
• What was a result of the Exxon Valdez spill?

  It resulted in studies and research
• What are the long-term impacts of oil spills like Exxon Valdez?

  They can affect ecosystems for years
• What is ballast water used for in ships?


  To stabilize them during journeys
• How can ballast water contribute to oil pollution?

  It can be contaminated with oil
• What invasive species can be found in ballast water?

  Chinese mitten crab
• What are some domestic sources of oil pollution?

  Cooking oil and engine oils
• What are common sources of industrial leakage?

  Fuel, hydraulics, and lubricants
• What risk do oil pipelines present?


  Terrestrial pollution risk if damaged
• What are direct impacts of oil pollution on wildlife?

  Oil smothers wildlife causing suffocation
• How does oil pollution affect turtles and cetaceans?

  They are unable to surface and breathe
• What happens to fish gills when clogged with oil?

  They suffocate
• How does oil affect mammals and birds?

  It sticks to fur and feathers
• What is a direct impact of oil smothering wildlife?

  Suffocation and hypothermia
• What digestive problems can arise from consuming oil-covered food?

  Digestive problems can occur
• Why do birds spend time cleaning instead of feeding after an oil spill?

  To remove oil from their feathers
• How does oil pollution affect photosynthesis?

  Light cannot penetrate due to oil
• What is an indirect impact of oil pollution on food availability?

  Less food leads to starvation
• How does oil pollution affect oxygen levels in water?

  Oxygen cannot dissolve, leading to death
• What happens when oil is broken down by bacteria?

  It creates a high BOD
• How does oil pollution affect organisms' ability to locate food?

  It blocks visual and scent cues
• What are the two main strategies for managing oil pollution?

  • Clean it up
  • Prevent it
• What is a boom used for in oil spill management?

  To contain oil on the sea surface
• How do skimmers work in oil spill management?

  They absorb oil from the water
• What do dispersants and detergents do in oil spill management?

  They allow wave action to break up spills
• What is a potential downside of using dispersants?

  They can be toxic to wildlife