Marta Martins, a professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the Nova University of Lisbon, an expert in water pollution and ecotoxicology, and the coordinator of the master’s program in Marine Living Resources, commented on the potential effects of an oil spill in the Tagus River. The incident, which involved the spillage of 400 liters of marine fuel, has resulted in the closure of several beaches in the Oeiras municipality.
The National Maritime Authority announced today that efforts are underway by the Lisbon Port Captaincy to contain the spill, which was caused by a discharge of approximately 400 liters of marine fuel. As a result, the Oeiras municipality has ordered the closure of Torre, Santo Amaro, and Paço de Arcos beaches.
Marta Martins noted that the situation would be significantly worse if the spill involved crude oil, highlighting that containment measures are more effective for marine fuel. This type of fuel is easier to remove, and its effects may dissipate more swiftly, depending on its composition.
These contaminants, which include hydrocarbons, sulfur, nitrogen, and potentially metals, primarily remain on the water’s surface. They can also disperse into the atmosphere or dissolve, posing a risk of contamination, particularly to shellfish.
She emphasized that if shellfish such as mussels or clams assimilate the contaminants, it could have toxic effects on reproductive, renal, or hepatic functions if consumed by humans.
“It is crucial to establish a monitoring plan to ensure aquatic resources are free of pollution, even after control measures have been implemented,” the professor stressed.
Marta Martins also underscored the importance of closing the beaches to prevent direct contact with the contaminant, whether through skin absorption or inhalation, which can cause skin or eye irritation, coughing, headaches, nausea, or dizziness.
She mentioned that depending on the type of substance spilled and the containment measures taken, the closures could last for days or weeks.
“Closing the beaches is very important,” she affirmed, warning that even the simplest compounds take time to degrade in the environment.
The expert stated that numerous factors, such as temperature and currents, are at play and reiterated the importance of monitoring water quality and aquatic organisms.
