Crude oil from a refinery has leaked into the Kosasthalaiyar river (north of Chennai), the biodiverse Ennore creek (where many migratory birds come) and the Bay of Bengal. This has caused pollution. List what all could have been impacted and how?

1. Aquatic Life in the River, Creek and Bay of Bengal —

   1. Oil spills block oxygen and cause many aquatic animals to die.
   2. Poisonous chemicals in the oil can harm fish.
   3. Oil can damage coral reefs and mangroves, which are important for sea life.

2. Migratory Birds —

   1. The oil might stick to the birds' feathers making it hard for them to fly or stay warm. This can lead to death.
   2. Birds may eat oily fish which lets the oil enter their bodies and cause internal harm.

3. People’s Health —

   1. People who eat fish from the polluted river or sea might fall sick because the fish can contain harmful chemicals.
   2. The oil may also mix with water sources and make the water unsafe for drinking, bathing, or farming.

4. Soil and Groundwater —

   1. Oil can soak into the soil along the riverbanks and harm plants growing nearby.
   2. It may also pollute underground water, which people use for drinking or farming.

Hence, the oil spill has a significant impact over the environment, human beings and other living things.