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Fattorini

coat their roots (pneumatophores), affect gas exchange, affecting human communities. For instance, the mental
leading to suffocation and death, especially in younger health of residents, especially those whose livelihoods
trees. Contamination of the anaerobic sediments further depend on the sea, can significantly deteriorate.
slows oil weathering. Oil can also cause defoliation, Witnessing the destruction of ecosystems and fearing for
stunted growth, and deformities, compromising their their future can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression,
vital role in coastal protection and as nursery grounds and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies after
for various marine species. 45,46,85,86 This, in turn, major spills have shown these psychological impacts
diminishes biodiversity and the ecosystem services can persist for years. Furthermore, oil spills exacerbate
these habitats provide. Food web disruption results socioeconomic disparities in vulnerable populations.
from the mortality of primary producers and consumers, Fishing communities, indigenous groups, and those
and the bioaccumulation of toxic substances. 45,46 This reliant on coastal tourism often face severe income
can lead to trophic cascades, altering predator-prey loss and job displacement. This economic hardship
relationships, competitive dynamics, and overall energy can deepen existing poverty, disrupt traditional ways
flow within the ecosystem, impacting the abundance of life, and lead to food insecurity. The slow recovery
and distribution of species across multiple trophic of marine resources further prolongs these challenges,
levels. Long-term impacts on ecosystem resilience and creating cycles of vulnerability and hindering equitable
recovery are often observed. 85,86 development. 101
The socioeconomic consequences of hydrocarbon
pollution are far-reaching. Industries heavily relying 6. Containment, monitoring, and remediation
on healthy marine environments, such as fisheries and strategies of hydrocarbons in seawater
aquaculture, suffer significant economic losses due to
contaminated stocks, fishing bans, fouled gear, and In the wake of marine hydrocarbon contamination, a rapid
reduced market confidence in seafood safety. 1,2,8 Tourism and coordinated response is fundamental to mitigate
and related businesses are also severely impacted, as environmental damage. This involves a comprehensive
oiled beaches and affected marine life deter visitors. series of containment, monitoring, and remediation
Coastal communities, particularly those dependent strategies, each with strengths and limitations. The
on marine resources for livelihoods and cultural selection of appropriate techniques hinges on factors,
practices, often bear a disproportionate burden. Cleanup such as the type and volume of the spill, prevailing
operations are expensive, and long-term environmental environmental conditions, and available resources.
monitoring and restoration efforts add further economic Containment techniques are designed to limit the spread
strain. 1,2,8,9,28 of hydrocarbons, preventing further ecological harm
These dynamics can also have a direct impact on and facilitating subsequent cleanup efforts.
human communities. Humans consuming seafood (fish, Among these, the booming techniques involve
shellfish, crustaceans) from oil-affected areas can be deploying physical barriers on the water surface to
exposed to hydrocarbons, especially PAHs, which are encircle and concentrate the spilled material. Booms
known carcinogens and can cause other adverse health can be absorbent and designed to soak up oil, such
effects. 27,99,100 While depuration periods can reduce as containment booms, which physically block its
contaminant levels, the risk remains, particularly with spread; they can also be fire-resistant and used in
chronic consumption of subtly contaminated seafood. conjunction with in situ burning. Booming has been
In addition, individuals involved in cleanup operations proven to be highly effective for preventing the spread
or near spilled oil can experience direct exposure of oil in calm waters, is relatively straightforward
through dermal contact, inhalation of volatile organic to deploy, and can be used to divert oil away from
compounds, or accidental ingestion. This can lead to a sensitive areas, such as coastlines or wildlife habitats.
range of health issues, including respiratory problems, In addition, this technique aids in the efficiency of oil
skin irritation, neurological symptoms, and potential recovery operations by concentrating the slick. Booms’
long-term risks, such as increased cancer incidence. effectiveness significantly diminishes in rough seas,
The physical and psychological stress on affected strong currents, or high winds, where oil can easily
communities and cleanup workers also represents a escape underneath or overtop the barriers. Large spills
significant health burden. 99,100 can overwhelm boom capacity, and their deployment
Marine oil and hydrocarbon contamination extends and retrieval require substantial logistical support and
beyond immediate environmental damage, deeply personnel. Booms can also become saturated with oil,

Volume 22 Issue 6 (2025) 36 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025290224