How does oil affect the growth of an aquatic plant?

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Oil is a dangerous and deadly substance to add to a water supply; oil spills not only kill animals, they also severely damage and kill large amounts of aquatic plants.

Function

Oil and water do not mix. When oil is added to a marine environment, it floats near the top of the water. This restricts oxygen from mixing into the water.

Significance

Even a small amount of oil spreads rapidly across a large expanse of water, covering the surface and blocking out air and light. Without light for photosynthesis, plants die and cease to germinate or grow.

Effects

Oil in the water causes the death of many types of algae and bacteria and damages the overall health of coral reefs and kelp beds. The pollutants found in oil cannot be processed by most plants.

Considerations

In some areas, oil spills lead to an exponential increase in the populations of certain types of algae, which thrive in the absence of other plants and marine life; these algal populations make it more difficult to reestablish marine populations.

Warning

In areas where oil is a problem, attempts have been made to treat the oil or sink it; this addition of further chemicals only damages the plants more. As oil is washed up onto the beach and sinks into soils, it prevents nutrients from reaching the roots of plants, causing further damage and death within the ecosystem.

Potential

Kelp beds, unlike most coral reefs and some other types of marine plants, do show signs of improvement and regrowth once oil has been removed from their environment.

Source:

Alaska.gov: Effects of Oil Spills on Wildlife and Habitat

EPA.gov: Behavior and Effects of Oil Spills in Aquatic Environments

More Information:

UMich.edu: Water Pollution

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How does oil affect the growth of an aquatic plant?

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