ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF POLLUTION OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS BY OIL AND OIL PRODUCTS

Oil spills have a significant impact on the marine environment, as they cause the death of living organisms from physical asphyxiation and as a result of toxic effects on them. The level of negative impact most often depends on the amount and type of spilled oil, environmental conditions and the susceptibility of organisms and their habitats to its effects. This paper describes the consequences of oil spills and subsequent measures to combat the consequences of such accidents on flora, fauna and their habitats.