EXAMPLE:
Used oil from a single automotive oil
change can spoil one million gallons of
fresh water for an entire year
(Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection, 1996).
Used oil in surface waters can also threaten wildlife. Oil depletes the oxygen supply for
many aquatic organisms such as fish and inhibits the flying ability of water fowl.
Furthermore, contaminated water with high concentrations of metals from the oil are
absorbed by plants and accumulate in their tissues. In return, by contaminating the food
supply, it can ultimately affect human health.
Photo Courtesy of Department of
Environmental Protection