How Does Oil Affect the Growth of an Aquatic Plant?
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.FunctionOil 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.SignificanceEven 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.EffectsOil 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.ConsiderationsIn 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 popu
