The sinking of the Liberian vessel MSC ELSA 3 off the Kochi coast on Sunday, releasing hazardous materials into the sea, poses a serious threat not only to the marine ecosystem but also to human health if proper precautions are not taken.
Raising concerns along the Kerala coastline, the leaked fuel is drifting at approximately three km/hour. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and the state government have issued a warning and advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea.
The ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials such as calcium carbide. The Coast Guard confirmed that the vessel was also carrying Marine Gas Oil and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil—both have disastrous effects on marine life.
What is calcium carbide?
Calcium carbide, also known as calcium acetylide, is a chemical compound that appears as a colourless crystalline solid. It is used for various purposes including as a fruit ripening agent, deoxidizer, to remove sulphur from iron and is also used in lamps, automobiles and so on.
What happens when calcium carbide mixes with water?
Calcium carbide when mixed with water produces acetylene (a flammable gas in producing various industrial chemicals) and calcium hydroxide. The reaction releases heat which is enough to ignite the acetylene gas. Therefore it is dangerous if not handled carefully.
How dangerous is it for the marine life?
The calcium hydroxide released when combined with water increases its alkalinity. It disturbs the aquatic ecosystems' pH level affecting the health, reproduction and survival of aquatic species. Additionally, the acetylene gas could degrade the water quality and cause serious environmental issues, especially when used for farming.
How is human health affected?
The release of calcium carbide into the sea can severely impact marine life, including fish and mussels. Consuming these contaminated organisms can pose serious health risks to humans, as calcium carbide contains toxic compounds like arsenic and phosphorous hydride.
Furthermore, if the affected seawater enters the drinking water supply, it could lead to significant health hazards, including respiratory issues, gastrointestinal disturbances and potential long-term damage to organs. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and mitigate such contamination to protect both environmental and public health.