British scientists from the University of Essex have warned that oil and gas production in the North Sea could significantly increase the level of pollution in the aquatic environment and affect the diversity of marine life. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine Science of the Total Environment (STTE).
The team analyzed chemical data to determine the extent of the impact zone within half a kilometer of the drilling platforms, and also examined biological samples taken before and after hydrocarbon resource extraction began at each site from 1981 to 2012.
The results showed that species diversity within 500 metres of oil and gas rigs decreased by 28% over the period.
The level of pollutants such as hydrocarbons in these areas was 10.613% higher compared to remote and unaffected areas.
The content of heavy metals such as lead, copper and nickel was 455% higher at the same distance.
The oil and gas industry’s impact on marine life is destroying more delicate ecosystems but favouring smaller, hardy species, which could have long-term consequences for the region’s ecology, scientists have warned.
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Source: Gazeta
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