Israeli rescuers feed turtle mayonnaise to break down crude oil in the turtles

Source: Global Times

The Israeli Sea Turtle Rescue Center rescued 12 green sea turtles covered in black crude oil. According to the Washington Post reported on March 1, in order to help the turtles clean their digestive systems blocked by crude oil, rescuers fed the turtles mayonnaise.

Staff at the Turtle Rescue Centre said: "These turtles were sent with crude oil on their bodies. They are also full of crude oil inside and out of their trachea. "Rescuers fed turtles mayonnaise because the lecithin molecules contained in the yolks can break down the crude oil in the turtles and excrete the crude oil in the form of feces. At present, 6 turtles have died and another 6 are still under observation.

It is understood that since February, there has been a widespread oil spill along the Coast of Israel, a large amount of crude oil has been washed on the beach, and more than 195 kilometers of coastline have suffered serious ecological pollution. Israel's Nature and Parks Authority called it one of the "worst ecological disasters" the country has ever seen.

The Israeli government has blocked the beach on the 22nd and launched an investigation, according to the analysis of the samples at the scene, it is very likely caused by the oil tanker leak. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that $14 million had been allocated to clean up contaminated beaches, and experts expect the clean-up process to last months or years.