Karpaz Petroleum Disaster

GAU: THE IMPACT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER WILL CONTINUE FOR MANY LONG YEARS

Girne American University (GAU) Mediterranean Underwater Research Centre began examination studies after the disaster which occurred in İskele-Kalecik on the Southern Coast of the Karpaz peninsula. in the TRNC.

As has been stated by GAU Mediterranean Underwater Research Centre, petroleum composed sea accidents are the biggest disaster to occur in the sea, as has been revealed by all environmental organizations. The reason for this is emphasized that after the spread, despite all interventions, pollution cannot be completely cleaned due to the petrol’s chemical structure composition forming a layer on the water surface. If this layer reaches areas (such as cove, gulf and lagoon etc.), which is delicate in ecological balance, with the surface current and wind this can result in enormous and permanent harm to the marine life in the region as has been explained by the authority of GAU Mediterranean Underwater Research Centre’s Professional Engineer, Bihter Asena YANAR. Yanar also stated that in order to reduce this kind of high risk after the spreading, the first intervention to be done is to limit the pollution on the surface with the use of booms, to keep from the risk zone and/or keep distant. The most effective method of separation of isolated petroleum from the sea is by proceeding filtering systems of vessels equipped with ultra-centrifuge and separation equipment and re-emptying or filtering pollution from the sea water by using elements like absorbent and/or adsorbent with various binding features. Thereby methods (nevertheless known effective) experts announce to reach up to 50% filtering.

Yanar also added that; “The petroleum which is left in the seawater, naturally separates and turns into a harmless component after a long period of time. However, in this period of time it causes substantial damage to the environment as well as to living beings. In the studies which were made by the scientists on an oil pollution in the sea, the period of the petroleum’s fission in the sea depends on the water’s physicochemical and biochemical structure. Following the separation, some elements of petroleum’s chemical composition (C, H, O, S, N) will lead the environment to become polluted by the biological aspect, yet some heavy metals in the petroleum composition (Pb, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd) could sink to the sea- bottom and has a threat potential for the marine species and human health.”

Examinations have further explained that the sea surface is covered with petroleum layer and light transparency is decreasing and also water is distorted through physiochemical and biochemical parameters. This swift distortion in water quality and pollution of petroleum is causing further harm on regional micro and macro flora and fauna. Finally it has been stated that necessary action must be taken to avoid further distortion on living beings in the region.