Difference between revisions of "Oil spill" - New World Encyclopedia
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[[Image:Oil-spill.jpg|right|thumb|Subsequent to an Oil Spill]] | [[Image:Oil-spill.jpg|right|thumb|Subsequent to an Oil Spill]] | ||
An '''oil spill''' is the unintentional release of a [[liquid]] [[petroleum]] [[hydrocarbon]] into the environment as a result of human activity. The term often refers to [[Marine (ocean)|marine]] oil spills, where oil is released into the [[ocean]] or [[coastal waters]]. Oil can refer to many different materials, including [[crude oil]], refined petroleum products (such as [[gasoline]] or [[diesel fuel]]) or by-products, ships' bunkers, oily refuse or oil mixed in [[waste]]. Spills take months or even years to clean up. | An '''oil spill''' is the unintentional release of a [[liquid]] [[petroleum]] [[hydrocarbon]] into the environment as a result of human activity. The term often refers to [[Marine (ocean)|marine]] oil spills, where oil is released into the [[ocean]] or [[coastal waters]]. Oil can refer to many different materials, including [[crude oil]], refined petroleum products (such as [[gasoline]] or [[diesel fuel]]) or by-products, ships' bunkers, oily refuse or oil mixed in [[waste]]. Spills take months or even years to clean up. | ||
− | Oil is also released into the environment from natural [[geologic]] [[seeps]] on the [[sea floor]] [http://seeps.geol.ucsb.edu/]. Most [[man-made]] oil pollution comes from land-based activity, but public attention and subsequent regulation has tended to focus most sharply on seagoing oil tankers [http://www.planetarios.com/handbook-contamination/petroleumoilspill.html]. | + | Oil is also released into the environment from natural [[geologic]] [[seeps]] on the [[sea floor]].<ref>[http://seeps.geol.ucsb.edu/]. </ref> Most [[man-made]] oil pollution comes from land-based activity, but public attention and subsequent regulation has tended to focus most sharply on seagoing oil tankers.<ref>[http://www.planetarios.com/handbook-contamination/petroleumoilspill.html]. </ref> |
==Environmental effects== | ==Environmental effects== | ||
+ | |||
Studies of the [[Exxon Valdez oil spill]] have shown that the environmental damage caused by oil spills can be greater than was previously thought. Petroleum-based hydrocarbons can negatively impact marine life at concentrations as low as one part per billion. {{Fact|date=June 2007}} | Studies of the [[Exxon Valdez oil spill]] have shown that the environmental damage caused by oil spills can be greater than was previously thought. Petroleum-based hydrocarbons can negatively impact marine life at concentrations as low as one part per billion. {{Fact|date=June 2007}} | ||
+ | |||
[[Image:EVOSWEB 013 oiled bird3.jpg|thumb|Oiled birds]] | [[Image:EVOSWEB 013 oiled bird3.jpg|thumb|Oiled birds]] | ||
− | The lighter fractions of oil, such as [[benzene]] and [[toluene]], are highly toxic, but are also [[volatile]] and evaporate quickly. {{Fact|date=June 2007}} Heavier components of crude oil, such as [[polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons]] (PAHs) appear to cause the most damage; while they are less toxic than the lighter volatiles, they persist in the environment much longer. | + | The lighter fractions of oil, such as [[benzene]] and [[toluene]], are highly toxic, but are also [[volatile]] and evaporate quickly. {{Fact|date=June 2007}} Heavier components of crude oil, such as [[polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons]] (PAHs) appear to cause the most damage; while they are less toxic than the lighter volatiles, they persist in the environment much longer. A heavy oil spill can also blanket [[estuaries]] and shoreline ecosystems such as [[salt marshes]] and [[tidal pools]], preventing gas exchange and blocking light. The oil can mix deeply into pebble, shingle or sandy beaches, where it may remain for months or even years. |
[[Seabird]]s are severely affected by spills as the oil penetrates and opens up the structure of their plumage, reducing the insulating ability of their feathers, making the birds more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and much less buoyant in the water. {{Fact|date=June 2007}} The oiled feathers also impairs birds' flight abilities, making it difficult or impossible to forage and escape from predators. As they attempt to [[preen]], birds typically ingest oil that coats their feathers, causing kidney damage, altered liver function, and digestive tract irritation. {{Fact|date=June 2007}} The limited foraging ability coupled with the ingestion of the oil quickly causes dehydration and metabolic imbalances. Most birds affected by an oil spill will die without human intervention. | [[Seabird]]s are severely affected by spills as the oil penetrates and opens up the structure of their plumage, reducing the insulating ability of their feathers, making the birds more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and much less buoyant in the water. {{Fact|date=June 2007}} The oiled feathers also impairs birds' flight abilities, making it difficult or impossible to forage and escape from predators. As they attempt to [[preen]], birds typically ingest oil that coats their feathers, causing kidney damage, altered liver function, and digestive tract irritation. {{Fact|date=June 2007}} The limited foraging ability coupled with the ingestion of the oil quickly causes dehydration and metabolic imbalances. Most birds affected by an oil spill will die without human intervention. | ||
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==Largest oil spills== | ==Largest oil spills== | ||
− | [[Image:PrestigeVolunteersInGaliciaCoast.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Volunteers cleaning up the aftermath of the [[Prestige oil spill]]]] | + | [[Image:PrestigeVolunteersInGaliciaCoast.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Volunteers cleaning up the aftermath of the [[Prestige oil spill]].]] |
− | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left" | ||
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|[[Gulf War oil spill]] | |[[Gulf War oil spill]] | ||
|[[Persian Gulf]] | |[[Persian Gulf]] | ||
− | | | + | |January 23 1991 |
|136,000 - 1,500,000 | |136,000 - 1,500,000 | ||
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.endgame.org/oilspills.htm|title=Major Oil Spills|author=George Draffan|format=HTML|language=English|work=Endgame|accessdate=2007-07-29}}</ref><ref name="Mariner Group">{{cite web|url=http://www.marinergroup.com/oil-spill-history.htm|title=History|work=The Mariner Group|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> | |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.endgame.org/oilspills.htm|title=Major Oil Spills|author=George Draffan|format=HTML|language=English|work=Endgame|accessdate=2007-07-29}}</ref><ref name="Mariner Group">{{cite web|url=http://www.marinergroup.com/oil-spill-history.htm|title=History|work=The Mariner Group|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> | ||
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| [[Ixtoc I|Ixtoc I oil well]] | | [[Ixtoc I|Ixtoc I oil well]] | ||
| [[Gulf of Mexico]] | | [[Gulf of Mexico]] | ||
− | | | + | | June 3 1979- March 23 1980 |
| 454,000 - 480,000 | | 454,000 - 480,000 | ||
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v290/n5803/abs/290235a0.html|title=Ixtoc 1 oil spill: flaking of surface mousse in the Gulf of Mexico|work=NPG (Nature Publishing Group)|accessdate=2007-07-29|author=John S. Patton, Mark W. Rigler, Paul D. Boehm & David L. Fiest|date=1981-03-19|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> | | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v290/n5803/abs/290235a0.html|title=Ixtoc 1 oil spill: flaking of surface mousse in the Gulf of Mexico|work=NPG (Nature Publishing Group)|accessdate=2007-07-29|author=John S. Patton, Mark W. Rigler, Paul D. Boehm & David L. Fiest|date=1981-03-19|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> | ||
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| [[Atlantic Empress]] / [[Aegean Captain]] | | [[Atlantic Empress]] / [[Aegean Captain]] | ||
| [[Trinidad and Tobago]] | | [[Trinidad and Tobago]] | ||
− | | | + | | July 19 1979 |
| 287,000 | | 287,000 | ||
| <ref name="ITOPF">{{cite web|url=http://www.itopf.com/stats.html|title=Statistics|work=ITOPF|language=English|format=HTML|accessdate=2007-07-29}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cedre.fr/uk/spill/atlantic/atlantic.htm|title=Atlantic Empress/Aegean Captain|work=Cedre|date=2006-04|accessdate=2007-07-29|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> | | <ref name="ITOPF">{{cite web|url=http://www.itopf.com/stats.html|title=Statistics|work=ITOPF|language=English|format=HTML|accessdate=2007-07-29}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cedre.fr/uk/spill/atlantic/atlantic.htm|title=Atlantic Empress/Aegean Captain|work=Cedre|date=2006-04|accessdate=2007-07-29|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> | ||
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| [[Fergana Valley]] | | [[Fergana Valley]] | ||
| [[Uzbekistan]] | | [[Uzbekistan]] | ||
− | | | + | | March 2 1992 |
| 285,000 | | 285,000 | ||
| <ref name="Mariner Group" /> | | <ref name="Mariner Group" /> | ||
Line 67: | Line 69: | ||
| [[Castillo de Bellver]] | | [[Castillo de Bellver]] | ||
| [[Saldanha Bay]], [[South Africa]] | | [[Saldanha Bay]], [[South Africa]] | ||
− | | | + | | August 6 1983 |
| 252,000 | | 252,000 | ||
| <ref name="ITOPF" /> | | <ref name="ITOPF" /> | ||
Line 74: | Line 76: | ||
| [[Amoco Cadiz]] | | [[Amoco Cadiz]] | ||
| [[Brittany]], [[France]] | | [[Brittany]], [[France]] | ||
− | | | + | | March 16 1978 |
| 223,000 | | 223,000 | ||
| <ref name="ITOPF" /> <ref name="Mariner Group" /> | | <ref name="ITOPF" /> <ref name="Mariner Group" /> | ||
Line 95: | Line 97: | ||
| [[Sea Star Oil Spill|Sea Star]] | | [[Sea Star Oil Spill|Sea Star]] | ||
| [[Gulf of Oman]] | | [[Gulf of Oman]] | ||
− | | | + | | December 19 1972 |
| 115,000 | | 115,000 | ||
| <ref name="ITOPF" /> <ref name="Mariner Group" /> | | <ref name="ITOPF" /> <ref name="Mariner Group" /> | ||
Line 102: | Line 104: | ||
| [[Torrey Canyon]] | | [[Torrey Canyon]] | ||
| [[Scilly Isles]], [[UK]] | | [[Scilly Isles]], [[UK]] | ||
− | | | + | | March 18 1967 |
| 80,000 - 119,000 | | 80,000 - 119,000 | ||
| <ref name="ITOPF" /> <ref name="Mariner Group" /> | | <ref name="ITOPF" /> <ref name="Mariner Group" /> | ||
Line 116: | Line 118: | ||
| [[Urquiola]] | | [[Urquiola]] | ||
| [[A Coruña]], [[Spain]] | | [[A Coruña]], [[Spain]] | ||
− | | | + | | May 12 1976 |
| 100,000 | | 100,000 | ||
| <ref name="ITOPF" /> | | <ref name="ITOPF" /> | ||
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==Methods of cleaning an oil spill== | ==Methods of cleaning an oil spill== | ||
− | + | A sheen can be dispersed (but not cleaned up) with detergents which makes oil settle to the bottom and makes the seabed toxic. It is very difficult to clean up oils denser than water as they settle to the bottom; [[Polychlorinated biphenyl|PCBs]] are an example of such a pollutant. | |
Some of the equipment used in cleaning up include: | Some of the equipment used in cleaning up include: | ||
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Some of the methods used include: | Some of the methods used include: | ||
− | * [[Bioremediation]]: use of [http://www.epa.gov/oilspill/ncp/bagents.htm | + | * [[Bioremediation]]: use of [[biological agents]] to remove oil.<ref>[http://www.epa.gov/oilspill/ncp/bagents.htm] </ref> |
* [[Burning]]: It can be done only when it is not windy, the oil has not dispersed and there is a calm sea. | * [[Burning]]: It can be done only when it is not windy, the oil has not dispersed and there is a calm sea. | ||
* [[Dispersant]]s: Dispersants act as [[detergent]]s, clustering around oil globules and allowing it to be carried away in the water.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem00/chem00896.htm|title=Detergent and Oil Spills|date=2002-10-12|accessdate=2007-07-29|language=English|format=HTML|work=NEWTON BBS}}</ref> While this makes the surface look pretty, it only spreads the oil around. This can be a benefit since smaller oil droplets, scattered with currents, may cause less harm and may be easier to degrade. However, the dispersed oil droplets readily sink and can lethally contaminate coral. Moreover, recent research indicates that dispersants themselves are toxic to corals.<ref name="Science News">Barry, Carolyn (2007). [http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20070804/fob1.asp Slick Death: Oil-spill treatment kills coral], ''Science News'' vol. 172, p. 67.</ref> | * [[Dispersant]]s: Dispersants act as [[detergent]]s, clustering around oil globules and allowing it to be carried away in the water.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem00/chem00896.htm|title=Detergent and Oil Spills|date=2002-10-12|accessdate=2007-07-29|language=English|format=HTML|work=NEWTON BBS}}</ref> While this makes the surface look pretty, it only spreads the oil around. This can be a benefit since smaller oil droplets, scattered with currents, may cause less harm and may be easier to degrade. However, the dispersed oil droplets readily sink and can lethally contaminate coral. Moreover, recent research indicates that dispersants themselves are toxic to corals.<ref name="Science News">Barry, Carolyn (2007). [http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20070804/fob1.asp Slick Death: Oil-spill treatment kills coral], ''Science News'' vol. 172, p. 67.</ref> | ||
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* [[Skimmer (machine)|Skimming]]:It can't be done if there is a rough sea | * [[Skimmer (machine)|Skimming]]:It can't be done if there is a rough sea | ||
* Solidifying {{Fact|date=June 2007}} | * Solidifying {{Fact|date=June 2007}} | ||
+ | |||
=== Spill Prevention === | === Spill Prevention === | ||
+ | |||
* Secondary Containment - methods to prevent releases of oil or hydrocarbons into environment. | * Secondary Containment - methods to prevent releases of oil or hydrocarbons into environment. | ||
* SPCC - Oil Spill Prevention Containment and Countermeasures program by US EPA. | * SPCC - Oil Spill Prevention Containment and Countermeasures program by US EPA. | ||
* Double hulling - build double hull vessels and rebuild single hull vessels into double hull. A double hull reduces the risk and severity of a spill in case of a collision or grounding. | * Double hulling - build double hull vessels and rebuild single hull vessels into double hull. A double hull reduces the risk and severity of a spill in case of a collision or grounding. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==See also== | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[Hydrocarbon]] | ||
+ | * [[Oil]] | ||
+ | * [[Petroleum]] | ||
+ | * [[Pollution]] | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
− | + | <references/> | |
==References== | ==References== | ||
+ | <<These refs need to be formatted properly, with complete info.>> | ||
+ | |||
*''The World Almanac and Book of Facts'', 2004 | *''The World Almanac and Book of Facts'', 2004 | ||
*''Oil Spill Case Histories 1967-1991'', NOAA/Hazardous Materials and Response Division, Seattle WA, 1992 | *''Oil Spill Case Histories 1967-1991'', NOAA/Hazardous Materials and Response Division, Seattle WA, 1992 | ||
*''Nelson-Smith, Oil Pollution and Marine Ecology, Elek Scientific, London, 1972; Plenum, New York, 1973 | *''Nelson-Smith, Oil Pollution and Marine Ecology, Elek Scientific, London, 1972; Plenum, New York, 1973 | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
− | |||
* [http://www.black-tides.com www.black-tides.com An educational website comprising texts, animations, diagrams, quizzes and video clips on oil spills] | * [http://www.black-tides.com www.black-tides.com An educational website comprising texts, animations, diagrams, quizzes and video clips on oil spills] | ||
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* [http://www.censol.co.uk/censol%20-%20oil%20absorbents%20-%20testing.html How oil spill absorbent products Work] | * [http://www.censol.co.uk/censol%20-%20oil%20absorbents%20-%20testing.html How oil spill absorbent products Work] | ||
* [http://www.whoi.edu/institutes/coi/viewTopic.do?o=read&id=367 Industrial pollution information from the Coastal Ocean Institute], [[Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution]] | * [http://www.whoi.edu/institutes/coi/viewTopic.do?o=read&id=367 Industrial pollution information from the Coastal Ocean Institute], [[Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution]] | ||
− | * [http://www.incidentnews.gov/ IncidentNews.gov] - a [[NOAA]] site cataloguing major spills, | + | * [http://www.incidentnews.gov/ IncidentNews.gov] - a [[NOAA]] site cataloguing major spills, April 14, 2005 |
* [http://www.lastingnews.com/maps/oilspill.php A Google map of the major oil spills since 1960] | * [http://www.lastingnews.com/maps/oilspill.php A Google map of the major oil spills since 1960] | ||
* [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=32.900858,13.168026&spn=0.006495,0.011354&t=k&hl=en A Google Maps Image of a minor oil spill in Libya] | * [http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?ll=32.900858,13.168026&spn=0.006495,0.011354&t=k&hl=en A Google Maps Image of a minor oil spill in Libya] | ||
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* [http://www.upsorb.com Biodegradable Absorbents] | * [http://www.upsorb.com Biodegradable Absorbents] | ||
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− | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Environmental science]] |
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Revision as of 07:26, 6 December 2007
An oil spill is the unintentional release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment as a result of human activity. The term often refers to marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters. Oil can refer to many different materials, including crude oil, refined petroleum products (such as gasoline or diesel fuel) or by-products, ships' bunkers, oily refuse or oil mixed in waste. Spills take months or even years to clean up.
Oil is also released into the environment from natural geologic seeps on the sea floor.[1] Most man-made oil pollution comes from land-based activity, but public attention and subsequent regulation has tended to focus most sharply on seagoing oil tankers.[2]
Environmental effects
Studies of the Exxon Valdez oil spill have shown that the environmental damage caused by oil spills can be greater than was previously thought. Petroleum-based hydrocarbons can negatively impact marine life at concentrations as low as one part per billion. [citation needed]
The lighter fractions of oil, such as benzene and toluene, are highly toxic, but are also volatile and evaporate quickly. [citation needed] Heavier components of crude oil, such as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) appear to cause the most damage; while they are less toxic than the lighter volatiles, they persist in the environment much longer. A heavy oil spill can also blanket estuaries and shoreline ecosystems such as salt marshes and tidal pools, preventing gas exchange and blocking light. The oil can mix deeply into pebble, shingle or sandy beaches, where it may remain for months or even years.
Seabirds are severely affected by spills as the oil penetrates and opens up the structure of their plumage, reducing the insulating ability of their feathers, making the birds more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and much less buoyant in the water. [citation needed] The oiled feathers also impairs birds' flight abilities, making it difficult or impossible to forage and escape from predators. As they attempt to preen, birds typically ingest oil that coats their feathers, causing kidney damage, altered liver function, and digestive tract irritation. [citation needed] The limited foraging ability coupled with the ingestion of the oil quickly causes dehydration and metabolic imbalances. Most birds affected by an oil spill will die without human intervention.
Marine mammals exposed to oil spills are affected in many of the same ways as seabirds. Oil coats the fur of Sea otters, seals, reducing their furs natural insulation abilities, leading to body temperature fluctuations and hypothermia. Ingestion of the oil also causes dehydration, and impaired digestion.
Largest oil spills
Spill / Tanker | Location | Date | *Tonnes of crude oil | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gulf War oil spill | Persian Gulf | January 23 1991 | 136,000 - 1,500,000 | [3][4] |
Ixtoc I oil well | Gulf of Mexico | June 3 1979- March 23 1980 | 454,000 - 480,000 | [5] |
Atlantic Empress / Aegean Captain | Trinidad and Tobago | July 19 1979 | 287,000 | [6] [7] |
Fergana Valley | Uzbekistan | March 2 1992 | 285,000 | [4] |
Nowruz oil field | Persian Gulf | February 1983 | 260,000 | [8] |
ABT Summer | 700 nautical miles (1,300 km) off Angola | 1991 | 260,000 | [6] |
Castillo de Bellver | Saldanha Bay, South Africa | August 6 1983 | 252,000 | [6] |
Amoco Cadiz | Brittany, France | March 16 1978 | 223,000 | [6] [4] |
Amoco Haven tanker disaster | Mediterranean Sea near Genoa, Italy | 1991 | 144,000 | [6] |
Odyssey | 700 nautical miles (1,300 km) off Nova Scotia, Canada | 1988 | 132,000 | [6] |
Sea Star | Gulf of Oman | December 19 1972 | 115,000 | [6] [4] |
Torrey Canyon | Scilly Isles, UK | March 18 1967 | 80,000 - 119,000 | [6] [4] |
Irenes Serenade | Navarino Bay, Greece | 1980 | 100,000 | [6] |
Urquiola | A Coruña, Spain | May 12 1976 | 100,000 | [6] |
One tonne of crude oil is roughly equal to 308 US gallons, or 7.33 barrels.
Estimating the volume of a spill
| |||
Air pollution | |||
Acid rain • Air Pollution Index • Air Quality Index • Atmospheric dispersion modeling • Chlorofluorocarbon • Global dimming • Global warming • Haze • Indoor air quality • Ozone depletion • Particulate • Smog • Roadway air dispersion | |||
Water pollution | |||
Eutrophication • Hypoxia • Marine pollution • Ocean acidification • Oil spill • Ship pollution • Surface runoff • Thermal pollution • Wastewater • Waterborne diseases • Water quality • Water stagnation | |||
Soil contamination | |||
Bioremediation • Herbicide • Pesticide •Soil Guideline Values (SGVs) | |||
Radioactive contamination | |||
Actinides in the environment • Environmental radioactivity • Fission product • Nuclear fallout • Plutonium in the environment • Radiation poisoning • radium in the environment • Uranium in the environment | |||
Other types of pollution | |||
Invasive species • Light pollution • Noise pollution • Radio spectrum pollution • Visual pollution | |||
Government acts | |||
Clean Air Act • Clean Water Act • Kyoto Protocol • Water Pollution Control Act • Environmental Protection Act 1990 | |||
Major organizations | |||
DEFRA • Environmental Protection Agency • Global Atmosphere Watch • Greenpeace • National Ambient Air Quality Standards | |||
Related topics | |||
Natural environment |
By observing the thickness of the film and its appearance on the surface of the water, it is possible to estimate the quantity of oil spilled. If the surface area of the spill is known, the total volume of the oil can be calculated from this information.[9]
Film Thickness | Quantity Spread | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Appearance | in | mm | gal/sq mi | L/ha |
Barely visible | 0.0000015 | 0.0000381 | 25 | 0.365 |
Silvery sheen | 0.0000030 | 0.0000762 | 50 | 0.731 |
First trace of color | 0.0000060 | 0.0001524 | 100 | 1.461 |
Bright bands of color | 0.0000120 | 0.0003048 | 200 | 2.922 |
Colors begin to dull | 0.0000400 | 0.0010160 | 666 | 9.731 |
Colors are much darker | 0.0000800 | 0.0020320 | 1332 | 19.463 |
Methods of cleaning an oil spill
A sheen can be dispersed (but not cleaned up) with detergents which makes oil settle to the bottom and makes the seabed toxic. It is very difficult to clean up oils denser than water as they settle to the bottom; PCBs are an example of such a pollutant.
Some of the equipment used in cleaning up include:
- Absorbent Boom, Sausage
- Containment Boom (except for gasoline where confinement can cause dangerous levels of fume buildup)[citation needed]
- Skimmers
- Snares
Some of the methods used include:
- Bioremediation: use of biological agents to remove oil.[10]
- Burning: It can be done only when it is not windy, the oil has not dispersed and there is a calm sea.
- Dispersants: Dispersants act as detergents, clustering around oil globules and allowing it to be carried away in the water.[11] While this makes the surface look pretty, it only spreads the oil around. This can be a benefit since smaller oil droplets, scattered with currents, may cause less harm and may be easier to degrade. However, the dispersed oil droplets readily sink and can lethally contaminate coral. Moreover, recent research indicates that dispersants themselves are toxic to corals.[12]
- Do nothing: Sometimes it is better to do nothing and let the oil evaporate or break down on its own than to make matters worse by attempting to clean up.[citation needed] Cleanup by detergents pollutes the seabed. Shoreline cleanup can further disturb the ecology by bleaching all life from the area.
- Dredging: for oils dispersed with detergents and other oils denser than water.
- Skimming:It can't be done if there is a rough sea
- Solidifying [citation needed]
Spill Prevention
- Secondary Containment - methods to prevent releases of oil or hydrocarbons into environment.
- SPCC - Oil Spill Prevention Containment and Countermeasures program by US EPA.
- Double hulling - build double hull vessels and rebuild single hull vessels into double hull. A double hull reduces the risk and severity of a spill in case of a collision or grounding.
See also
Notes
- ↑ [1].
- ↑ [2].
- ↑ George Draffan. Major Oil Spills (in English) (HTML). Endgame. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 History (in English) (HTML). The Mariner Group.
- ↑ John S. Patton, Mark W. Rigler, Paul D. Boehm & David L. Fiest (1981-03-19). Ixtoc 1 oil spill: flaking of surface mousse in the Gulf of Mexico (in English) (HTML). NPG (Nature Publishing Group). Retrieved 2007-07-29.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 Statistics (in English) (HTML). ITOPF. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
- ↑ Atlantic Empress/Aegean Captain (in English) (HTML). Cedre (2006-04). Retrieved 2007-07-29.
- ↑ Oil Spills and Disasters (in English) (HTML). infoplease. infoplease. Retrieved 2007-07-29.
- ↑ Metcalf & Eddy. Wastewater Engineering, Treatment and Reuse. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003. 98.
- ↑ [3]
- ↑ Detergent and Oil Spills (in English) (HTML). NEWTON BBS (2002-10-12). Retrieved 2007-07-29.
- ↑ Barry, Carolyn (2007). Slick Death: Oil-spill treatment kills coral, Science News vol. 172, p. 67.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
<<These refs need to be formatted properly, with complete info.>>
- The World Almanac and Book of Facts, 2004
- Oil Spill Case Histories 1967-1991, NOAA/Hazardous Materials and Response Division, Seattle WA, 1992
- Nelson-Smith, Oil Pollution and Marine Ecology, Elek Scientific, London, 1972; Plenum, New York, 1973
External links
- www.black-tides.com An educational website comprising texts, animations, diagrams, quizzes and video clips on oil spills
- www.cedre.fr Centre of Documentation, Research and Experimentation on Accidental Water Pollution
- International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association - online publications
- International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation
- Newsweek's Black Tides Timeline
- How oil spill absorbent products Work
- Industrial pollution information from the Coastal Ocean Institute, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- IncidentNews.gov - a NOAA site cataloguing major spills, April 14, 2005
- A Google map of the major oil spills since 1960
- A Google Maps Image of a minor oil spill in Libya
- Oil spill on Mississippi River after Hurricane Katrina
- 2000 Oil spill in Brazil
- Japan tanker spills 1.4M gallons of oil
- Ashland oil spill in Floreffe, Pennsylvania in 1988 - considered one of the most severe inland oil spills in U.S. history
- Oil spill prevention program
- Biodegradable Absorbents
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