Oil pollution in waters of Lithuania

Abstract

The Lithuanian seaside is famous for its sandy beaches as well as for Palanga town and the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO protected site, which are all enjoyed by the locals and holiday guests. Potential contamination of Lithuanian sea water is possible from three oil companies, apart from the discharges of passing tankers and other ships. In Lithuania, the responsibility for works involving the clean-up of marine incidents lies with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of the Naval Forces. Total oil hydrocarbons (THC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oiloxidizing bacteria indicate considerable pollution in some areas of the Lithuanian part of the Baltic Sea. THC concentrations in water frequently exceed the Maximum Permissible Level; long-term studies show increasing trends of THC concentrations in some areas of the Lithuanian part of the Baltic Sea. Būtingė oil spill (31 January 2008) caused significant increase of micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities in mussels; elevated environmental genotoxicity and cytotoxicity responses were observed in mussels even 6 months after the oil spill.