By Janine Dumaguin
Environmentalist Hernando Bacosa on Wednesday, March 22, said the Oriental Mindoro oil spill may last for decades if not totally contained, posing a threat to marine environment especially to benthic organisms.
Bacosa, during a Laging Handa public briefing episode, said that unlike gasoline that quickly evaporates, the oil from the sunken motor tanker Princess Empress is heavy that may sink and stay there for good.
“If we cannot remove them, kasi ang iba we cannot see them it could last for decades lalo na pag-benthic ‘yung naapektuhan [o] ‘yung ilalim ng dagat,” Bacosa said.
He also pointed out that strong sunlight and radiation this summer season could increase the toxicity of the oil.
“Base sa pag-aaral namin sa Texas, ‘pag ini-expose mo itong mga zooplankton doon sa oil na hindi na-expose sa araw pati ‘yung talagang na-expose sa UV [Ultraviolet], ito po ay 30-50% more toxic,” Bacosa added.
The environmentalist said that the oil containing hydrocarbons does not only affect the residents but could also lead to fish kills, destruction of marine life, mangroves, and beaches.
Bacosa said the priority should be the containment to prevent the oil slick from reaching coasts.
After this, he said the country must invest more on research to develop a technology for such a crisis. -ag
