Answer:
If the oil spilled in the gulf would have been processed oil, it would be worse than a normal oil spill as these oils have a higher shelf life.
Explanation:
Oil spills happen when a large quantity of oil gets mixed with large water bodies like <em>sea and oceans</em>. The oil being denser than water floats on the surface and does not mix with the water. It forms a coating on top of the water.
The difference between processed oil and normal oil is that they are heated at very <u>high temperatures</u> and this results in oxidation which creates <em>free radicals</em>, which are not good for the body and its cells. Also they have a very long shelf life due to which they will remain on water for a long time.
When oil spills happen, the <em>wind</em> cause the spill to spread over the water surface, thereby engulfing a large amount of area. The major disadvantages of the spill are:-
- The oil gets stuck in the feathers of the birds who come by to dip themselves,
- Animals like whale, dolphins have blow holes for releasing water. the oil covers these holes and makes it difficult for them to breathe.
- The fur of animals like <u>seal and otter </u>gets mixed with the oil and can prove harmful to them as it gets them exposed to cold.
- The overall BOD of the water body decreases, and organisms which use sun rays coming inside the ocean suffer as these get blocked.
- Since processed oil has longer shelf life, a large quantity of animals will suffer and die.
