Oil pollution in Ocean is one of the most noticeable forms of destruction to the marine environment. There are many ways in which Oil enters the seas – leakage from oil tanker or oil rig disasters, leaks during oil extraction, unsafe and illegal tank-cleaning operations and ship transport. These oil slicks kill thousands of seabirds and marine animals.

The impact of oil on flora and fauna is many folds – birds and animals ingest oil which poisons them. Fish and shellfish come into contact with oil and may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in heart and respiration rates and reproduction impairment.

As long as the humans are dependent on oil for energy, the cases of oil killing the marine life and polluting the sea will be common. But here is a good news, researchers after serious of experiments and trials have discovered a bacteria which is small in size which can clean the massive oil spillage in oceans.

A group of scientists from NRS, a research university in Quebec recently discovered a small bacteria which can feed on the hydrocarbons and undertake the process of natural degradation of oil spills. The scientists are experimenting further to use this basic principle and fasten the process of the natural removing of oil from oceans in case of disaster.

Various lab trials proved that the enzymes are effective in breaking down benzene, toluene, and xylene with effectiveness in both land and marine environments.

The next step for the researchers is to faster find a way to deploy the enzymes in an oil spill. Let hope they succeed and create a faster solution for removing oil spillage.

Image Source: theblackvault