It does not take a large quantity of oil to cause serious damage. One quart of oil can contaminate up to two million gallons of drinking water. And the four quarts of oil it takes to fill your car s engine can form an oil slick nearly eight acres in size. Fish can be smothered by oil coating their gills or can be killed indirectly by reduced resistance to infection. Bottom-dwelling organisms such as oysters and clams can be smothered directly by settling of oil suspensions or indirectly by the reduced oxygen levels caused by coating of the water surface.
Oil can stunt or kill marsh vegetation or submerged grasses.
In addition to initial effects, once the oil begins to dissolve, toxics can be released, exposing marine organisms to potentially carcinogenic matter. Collection centers have been established at local service stations. For a location near you, call or write the information centers in your area listed below. All rights reserved. Internet connectivity donated by Crosslink Internet Services .