What happens in a freshwater oil spill?

Question

What happens in a freshwater oil spill- is it the same as a salt water one?

and what happens to the aquatic life?

Answer 1

The best way to explain it is to take a pot put some cooking oil in it. As you can see the oil floats on the water. Wildlife landing in a oil spill will get oil covered. Insects like mosquito Larvae as well as any other creature that needs to breathe air and lives below the surface will get that oil in their lungs. Beavers and other mammals that live near the water will also be affected . Since most freshwater oil spills are in enclosed (Lake/ Stream/river areas) the potable water from that are will also be somewhat contaminated based on the viscosity of the oil

Answer 2

if large enough on a river not to fast a flow it would cover the surface clinging to the bank on the way down stream contaminating all it touches or any birds caught in it any wildlife .......................

Answer 3

FW oil spills are worse. The oil coats the banks, the rocks, and any plants and animals at the surface. Some of the components may leave the oil and travel thru the water, affecting the organisms that don't have to come to the surface.

Generally, the first responders put out booms and pads to contain and absorb the oil. Any water company downstream will close their intakes until the slug of oil has passed by or the spill has been cleaned up. Even so, the effect of the spill on the aquatic life can be perceptible for some time to come, if the spill is big enough.

Answer 4

Oil floats.  Aquatic life isn't really effected.

A floating trap surrounds the spill to contain it.  Then it is removed and/or detergents are spread to break up the oil.