Q. With reference to Tar Balls, consider the following statements:
1. These are dark-colored, sticky balls of oil that form when crude oil floats on the ocean surface.
2. Tar balls are difficult to break down, and can travel for hundreds of miles in the sea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Recently, black oil-emanating balls also called Tarballs were seen lying on the shore of Mumbai Beach.
Tarballs are dark-coloured, sticky balls of oil that form when crude oil floats on the ocean surface. They are transported from the open sea to the shores by sea currents and waves. (Statement 1 is correct)
Tarballs are formed by weathering of crude oil in marine environments. They are also formed from oil-well blowouts, accidental and deliberate release of bilge and ballast water from ships, river runoff, discharges through municipal sewage and industrial effluents.
Disadvantages of Tarballs:
It is a major concern to the global marine ecosystem. Microbes such as bacteria and fungi are known to be associated with tarballs.
Tarballs are difficult to break down, and can therefore travel for hundreds of miles in the sea. (Statement 2 is correct)
Tarballs washed ashore on beaches will negatively affect local economies because tourists will be offended by the odour.
Source: Explained: What are the tarballs that have resurfaced on Mumbai’s beaches?
