Oil and Water Don't Mix

It is the most prevalent opposite elements. We are constantly at war in separating these two. Be it at battle of the bulge or at maintaining a harmony within the environment. A simple science theory states that water and oil don't mix. And whenever they mix, the balance goes out.

Oil and water don't mix. And they should never. There is a constant struggle in the universe to separate these two. Within our own bodies, we try to cut down fatty foods and include more water in our consumption. It is a proven fact that we are forever at war over a mix of these two.

When our bodies take in too much fat, it struggles to function and behave normally. The same is with the oceans, seas and water bodies and in whole the entire planet. Oil spills are mostly intentional and sometimes accidental. Whatever the reason, the effects are one and the same. What exactly happens at an oil spill? Decades ago oil spills were mainly accidental. When they were left unchecked and unquestioned, it carried over to intentional spilling of oils. Not just crude oil or by-products, fuel-oil, gasoline, oil refuse, toxic-wastes of oil are dumped into oceans and coast lines leaving a permanent damage to the environment, aquatic life, vegetation, the rocks and its surrounding areas.

Till date the worst ever spill was during 1991 when nearly 144,000 tons of crude oil was spilled into the Mediterranean coast. The Gulf oil spills have damaged even the migratory birds of the Gulf. The effects of oil spills cannot be calculated or mitigated, for a loss of the life of such species of birds and other aquatic life is priceless. In an already man-made flawed and struggling planet, such disasters only spell doom. History has time and again proved that disturbing the balance of planet directly affects the human beings, living creatures and the environment alike.

To look at such disasters more scientifically, let us see what happens when oil or it's by products are spilled in the ocean waters. Let's get to some basic science facts. The density of water is higher than oil. So when oil is spilled it doesn't mix with water, but form slicks and float on water. As time goes by, they affect the water-animals and the vegetation. When large quantities of slicks are formed, the coastlines begin to feel the after-effects. The sea-animals cannot survive and breed, the vegetation does not get required nutrients from such harsh conditions, leading to depleting under-water vegetation.

Migratory birds, turtles, reptiles and the marine life take the toll of living in such conditions. With degenerated reproduction systems, their existence and sustaining capabilities are challenged.

It is not just the environment per se, that is ruined by these spills. What happens when people consume such sea-food and water? Poisonous and toxic matter which resides in such sea-food and water bring about long-term disabilities to human beings. Chronic and life-threatening diseases, impaired growth and development are directly related to consuming such toxin-infested food and water.

Erratic weather conditions, unusual climatic patterns like long term droughts, sand dunes, cyclones or the recent tsunami or the hurricanes are not isolated incidents by-themselves. They are the off-shoots of global warming. And oil spills only add to such catastrophic events.

What we can do to stop such disasters occurring naturally or intentionally? Strict laws and guidelines are just one step to effective monitoring. As citizens, we are bound to respond to safeguard our planet and our environment. Though it cannot be prevented single-handedly, oil and shipping industries should take responsible measures to avoid such actions. Timely action can only save the waters of the seas and oceans. A major step towards maintaining and nurturing our environment is being aware of such incidents and its effects. Knowledge about these incidents only can spur public awareness with required action. As we owe it to our children to give them a clean and green earth.

Just as we know it well, it is back to basics. Oil and water never mix. And they shouldn't.