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Ways to Clean Up an Oil Spill

There are several methods used to clean up oil spills. The methods used for a particular spill depends, in part, on the size of the spill and where it occurs. Large spills that occur near a shoreline are more of a concern because of their impact on the human population and because coastal ecosystems are more sensitive than deep-water areas.

  1. Natural Dispersal

    • For small oil spills in deep water, away from coastlines, nature may do most of the work. Currents, waves, wind and sun will disperse the oil to levels where it won't do much harm. Of course spilling oil into the oceans should be avoided. No amount of pollution is a good thing, but in areas far from the coastline a small spill may be gone before any kind of cleanup can be organized or before cleanup vessels can arrive. In any oil spill, wherever it occurs, some amount of natural dispersal will occur.

    Dispersants

    • Dispersants are agents that help break up the surface tension of oil. It is this tension that prevents oil and water from mixing. The dispersants increase the speed at which oil naturally breaks down; however, dispersants must be used cautiously and cannot be used in all areas. Dispersants may have adverse effects on sensitive ecosystems such as coral, and the oil and dispersants may be consumed by sea life, rendering the seafood dangerous to eat.

    Biological Agents

    • Oil will eventually biodegrade. This biodegradation is caused by bacteria and microorganisms that break down the oil into harmless components. Adding phosphorous and nitrogen to the effected area causes a fertilizing effect, which speeds up the production of these microorganisms and accelerates the process of biodegradation. This can be done in coastal areas, including along beaches where oil has washed ashore.

    Skimming and Absorbing

    • Booms are typically used on the water to prevent oil from spreading at sea. Once the spill is contained skimmers can be used to collect oil from the surface. Skimmers vacuum up the oil and deposit it in tankers or other storage receptacles. It has also been discovered that coarse wool, the cheapest variety, can be used to effectively soak up oil. According to Economist magazine, coarse wool can absorb more than 10 times its weight and can then be rung out or squeezed and reused more than a dozen times.

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