Context:
The Indian Coast Guard warned of an ecological threat from an oil spill and calcium carbide on a capsized Liberian ship, leading Kerala to declare an emergency.
Calcium Carbide
- Chemical nature: Reacts violently with seawater → produces acetylene gas (highly flammable).
- Uses: Industrial production of acetylene gas (welding, chemical industry).
- Hazards in maritime context:
- Releases toxic, flammable gases on contact with seawater
- Risk of fire and explosion near coastal areas
- Health risks: Exposure can cause respiratory problems and fire-related injuries.
- Environmental impact: Potential for ecological damage if spilled in marine environment.
- Regulations: Strict handling and transport norms due to reactivity and hazard potential.
Oil Spill
- Definition:
- Release of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons into the environment, especially marine areas, caused by human activity.
- Sources:
- Crude oil, diesel, petroleum from tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs, or wells.
- Impact on Marine Life:
- Poisons algae, disrupting food chains and reducing edible crustacean yield.
- Endangers fish hatcheries; contaminates commercially valuable fish flesh.
- Harms fish larvae and free-swimming organisms.
- Tar particles affect benthic organisms like clams and mussels.
- Key Technologies for Cleaning Oil Spills:
- Bioremediation: Uses bacteria (e.g., Oilzapper, Oilivorous-S by TERI) to convert harmful hydrocarbons into harmless carbon dioxide and water.
- Sorbents: Natural materials like milkweed plant fiber (found in Rajasthan) absorb oil effectively.
- Oil Boom: Large floating booms with underwater skirts isolate the spill area physically.
- Skimmers: Machines that concentrate and scrape oil from the water surface efficiently.
Oil Spill Regulatory Framework
INDIA
- Merchant Shipping Act (1958): Governs shipping operations in India, incorporating provisions to regulate and control marine pollution, aligning with MARPOL conventions.
- National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (1996): Establishes the Indian Coast Guard as the key coordinating agency for managing oil spill responses within India’s maritime regions.
GLOBAL
- MARPOL (1973): International treaty aimed at preventing marine pollution from ships, with dedicated annexes addressing oil pollution mitigation measures.
- BUNKER Convention (2001)
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
“Biorock technology” is talked about in which one of the following situations?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
(b) Development of building materials using plant residue
(c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
(d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
Answer: (a)