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During the Persian Gulf War Iraq burned many oil wells for a period of three weeks straight. After Saudi Arabian officials put the fires out the oil and water evaporated into the air together. This mixture eventually rained back down on the Middle East disrupting ecosystems and spoiling food webs. Drinking water was contaminated and fish kills increased tremendously.
Facts:
- The Gulf's oil rigs produce 30,000 to 40,000 barrels a day
- Causes include seepage from the seabed, cracked equipment, illegal dumping, leaching vessels and accidental spills
- Dams have greatly reduced freshwater inflow that would dilute the pollution
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copyright: May 2000
Bryant College
Zach Holt
Marggie Clark
Pam Duckworth
Grant Howes
Gaytha A. Langlois