A case study on oil spills, coastal pollution, and the development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria isolated from soil collected along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal coastlines

Abstract

Abstract Pelagic transport causes oil pollution by traversing the open ocean in southern Asia and Indian territory via international tanker routes. The natural flow of ocean water from east to west, which carries pollutants and biohazards into the marine waters belonging to the Indian territory, is what causes the deposition and saturation of oil spills, tar (i.e., hydrocarbons), and wastes in ocean waters. Water currents and tides carry tons of crude oil that has leaked from oil tanker accidents in the open ocean to coastlines. Negative effects such as the formation of algal blooms result in the death of marine animals such as fish, starfish, octopus, squid, and jellyfish. The consequences of pollution have mostly affected coastal areas, especially mangroves, and may destroy potential fishing zones. Long-term exposure to domestic and industrial pollution may be a cause for the loss of biodiversity and the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Microbiological investigations have revealed the presence of hydrocarbon- and antibiotic-resistant bacterial taxa belonging to Bacillus, Domibaciluus, Acinetobacter, Brevundimonas, Streptococcus, Mycolibacterium, Spingomonas, etc. This reveals reasons for pollution in the seas and the development of antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms spreading across coastlines that pose a threat to public health.