The Department of Earth Sciences, in collaboration with the Continuing Education Unit at the College of Science, University of Baghdad, organized a scientific lecture titled “Oil Pollution and Its Impact.” The event was held under the patronage of the Dean of the College, Assist.Prof.Dr. Raed Faleh Hassan, and was attended by a number of postgraduate students and specialists in sustainable development.
The lecture aimed to shed light on the geological and environmental issues associated with oil pollution, highlighting the negative consequences of oil-related incidents and exploring strategies to combat this form of pollution. Given the high toxicity and hazards of crude oil and its derivatives—due to gas emissions from evaporation or the breakdown of spilled molecules—the lecture underscored the urgent need for effective mitigation measures.
Key topics covered included the environmental impact of crude oil spills, emphasizing the risks of fires and explosions, as well as the severe threat to desalination plants, where contamination of drinking water with toxic hydrocarbons could render these facilities inoperative. The discussion also addressed the significant economic repercussions of oil pollution and its effects on riverine and marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the lecture examined the various sources of oil pollution, the movement of crude oil and its derivatives within key environmental elements (water, air, and soil), and the challenges associated with the contamination of these resources.
Additionally, the lecture explored preventive measures to mitigate oil pollution, including the implementation of environmental policies, advancements in oil spill response technologies, and the promotion of environmental awareness. The discussion also emphasized the importance of continuous environmental assessment to monitor and reduce pollution, aligning efforts with the objectives of sustainable development.
This lecture contributes to the realization of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 15 (Life on Land).