Oil spills, coastal pollution, and antibiotic resistance in bacteria isolated from soil across 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. Here, we report that marine traffic of sailing flags across oceans causes pollution that results in the formation of algal blooms and has an impact on the production of chlorophyll and the mortality of fauna. The consequences of pollution have mostly affected coastal areas, especially mangroves, and may destroy potential fishing zones. Furthermore, it was recorded that long-term exposure to pollutants may cause the development of antibiotic and hydrocarbon resistance in bacteria. Bacterial taxa such as Bacillus, Domibaciluus, Acinetobacter, Brevundimonas, Streptococcus, Mycolibacterium, and Sphingomonas, among others, were found, and their identities were confirmed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Antimicrobial resistance in these bacteria may pose a threat to public health.