As of Aug 2021, the fisher folks in Maharashtra have alleged that oil from __________, which melt and spread out when exposed to the sun, is hampering the reproduction of commercially important fish that can be caught in the intertidal areas on the coast

1. A

   tarballs

2. B

   jack-tar

3. C

   goff-nuts

4. D

   tarbagan

Appeared in: UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022(shift-1st)

Explanation

• Tarballs are small, dark, and sticky balls of weathered crude oil that float on the ocean's surface.
• They are a form of marine pollution and are frequently washed ashore, particularly on India's west coast during the monsoon.
• When exposed to the sun on beaches, they can melt and release oil, contaminating coastal ecosystems.
• This contamination can smother marine life and disrupt the reproductive cycles of fish and other organisms in intertidal zones, as reported by the fishing communities in Maharashtra.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: A 'jack-tar' is an old-fashioned term for a sailor.
• Option C: 'Goff-nuts' is not a recognized term related to marine pollution or any scientific field. It is likely a fabricated option.
• Option D: A 'tarbagan' is the Siberian marmot, a species of rodent.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Environmental Science and Current Affairs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Environmental Health Impact: The oil from tarballs contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are toxic and can be carcinogenic. This poses a health risk to marine life and humans who consume contaminated seafood.
• Community Livelihood: Such pollution events directly impact the livelihood of fishing communities by reducing fish catch and damaging fishing gear. This can lead to economic distress and food insecurity in coastal populations.
• Public Health Surveillance: Nurses and community health workers in coastal areas should be aware of the potential health effects of exposure to oil pollutants, including skin irritation, respiratory issues from fumes, and long-term risks from consuming contaminated food.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the key concepts in the question: 'oil', 'Maharashtra', 'fisher folks', 'hampering reproduction of fish'. This points to an environmental issue related to oil pollution.
• Read all the options provided.
• Evaluate each option based on general knowledge. 'Tarballs' is a known term for oil pollution.
• Use the process of elimination for the other options. 'Jack-tar' (sailor) and 'tarbagan' (marmot) are clearly unrelated to oil pollution.
• 'Goff-nuts' is an unfamiliar term, making it a less likely correct answer compared to the known term 'tarballs'.
• Conclude that 'tarballs' is the most logical and fitting answer that describes clumps of oil affecting a coastline.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Environmental Science and Current Affairs
• Stem keywords: Maharashtra, fisher folks, oil, hampering reproduction, intertidal areas, Aug 2021
• Lead-in keywords: oil from

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QDSwGvW4rh5k32Hp7a4VbC

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