A major effect of oil pollution in coastal water is

One of the major effects of oil pollution in coastal water is the destruction of aquatic life.

When oil spills into a water body, it forms a thin layer called a sheen on the surface of the water. This oil layer blocks sunlight from reaching aquatic plants and phytoplankton, inhibiting their ability to perform photosynthesis. As a result, these plants and microorganisms suffer, impacting the entire food chain.

Moreover, oil can coat the feathers of birds and the fur of marine mammals, which affects their insulation and buoyancy, leading to hypothermia, drowning, or inability to fly. Additionally, the toxic components in oil are harmful if ingested, causing internal damage to fish and other marine organisms. These combined effects can lead to significant mortality in aquatic ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and the natural balance of coastal waters.

Therefore, oil pollution can severely affect the health and survival of aquatic life, creating disruptions that can persist for many years.