Impact of Oil Spills on Aquatic Ecosystems

The video discusses the impact of oil spills on aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the toxicity of hydrocarbons to marine life and the physiological effects on organisms. It covers the economic repercussions for coastal communities, including tourism and fishing industries. The video also examines the impact on estuaries and root structures, leading to long-term ecological damage. Finally, it outlines various oil spill cleanup methods, such as using booms, skimming, chemical dispersants, and burning, while noting the potential drawbacks of each approach.

What are hydrocarbons in oil primarily responsible for in marine environments?

• Providing nutrients to marine life

• Causing toxicity to marine organisms

• Increasing water temperature

• Enhancing coral growth

How does oil affect the visibility in aquatic environments?

• It increases visibility by clearing the water

• It has no effect on visibility

• It decreases visibility by covering the surface

• It enhances visibility by reflecting sunlight

What is one way oil spills impact birds?

• By enhancing their ability to fly

• By providing them with additional food sources

• By making their feathers waterproof

• By sticking to their feathers and limiting flight

What is a significant economic impact of oil spills on coastal communities?

• Expansion of coastal real estate

• Closure of beaches and loss of tourism revenue

• Boost in local fishing industry

• Increase in tourism revenue

How do oil spills affect the root structures of plants in estuaries?

• They promote the growth of root structures

• They strengthen the root structures

• They have no effect on root structures

• They penetrate and poison the root structures

What long-term effect can oil spills have on fish and shellfish breeding grounds?

• They have no long-term effects

• They increase the population of fish and shellfish

• They enhance breeding conditions

• They cause deterioration of breeding grounds

What is one method used to contain oil spills on the water surface?

• Using booms to contain the oil

• Increasing water temperature

• Adding fertilizers to the water

• Introducing new fish species

What is a potential downside of using chemical dispersants on oil spills?

• They make the oil more concentrated

• They have no effect on the oil

• They can be toxic themselves

• They increase the oil's toxicity

What is a disadvantage of burning oil off the surface of the water?

• It adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere

• It enhances marine life growth

• It is a permanent solution

• It reduces carbon dioxide emissions

What is an oil plume?

• A device used to clean oil spills

• A column of oil rising through water

• A type of fish affected by oil

• A type of marine plant