Introduction

In the year 1909 motor oil was invented. Since then it has brought about a negative impact on our environment, in particular our fresh water resources, primarily because of improper waste disposal of oil.

Every year around 706 million gallons of waste oil enters the ocean, over half of this as a result of land drainage and waste disposal; for example, from the improper disposal of used motor oil. It's a common belief that the majority of the oil found in water is a result of offshore drilling and ship/tanker leaks. In actuality, these contribute less than 8% of the total oil waste found in our oceans and rivers today. Another 20% of this is comprised of routine maintenance of ships and 13% comes from hydrocarbon particles from onshore air pollution. Finally, natural seepage from the ocean floor also contributes to the oil found in our water.

When oil waste reaches the shoreline it interacts with sediments causing erosion as well as contamination. Waves, water currents, and wind move the oil onto the shore with the surf and tide. Beach sand and gravel saturated with oil may be unable to protect and nurture normal vegetation and populations of the substrate biomass.
Rocks/boulders coated w/sticky residue interfere with recreational uses of the shoreline and can be toxic to coastal wildlife. Other wildlife, other than fish/sea creatures, living in or near the ocean are also poisoned

There are many hazards and toxic effects on wildlife when they are exposed to oil contaminated water. Amoung these effects is the damage to an animal's thermal insulation, reproductive systems and behaviors. Species populations may change, or even disappear due to the contamination of their ecosystems. Mass mortality of fish and other species can also result from contamination or decline in population of food - an interruption of the food chain. This can be harmful to deep ocean/coastal fishing and fisheries.

Recreational activities are also affected, which in turn influences the economy. When oil waste pollutes these areas, it can negatively affect human activity, having a devastating effect on the local economy and society. For example, property values for water-front housing can often decrease, and regional business activity can decline if the community is centered around a body of water (ie. tourist resorts).

Land drainage and waste disposal is the largest contributor of water contamination. Preventing the contamination of our water resources by oil is crucial, as small amounts of oil can have drastic effects. For example, one litre of oil can contaminate a million liters of ground water. Due to a global water shortage, it is vital that we protect our fresh water resources.