Procedure for Cleaning Up Oil Spills

Oil spills have become increasingly prevalent. Even when extreme caution is taken, oil spills can occur, proving themselves to be a devastating but seemingly inevitable occurrence. Oil spills can occur on land, but most oil spills occur in the ocean, because oil is most commonly transported in oil tankers across the ocean. Fortunately, whether a spill occurs in the ocean or on land, a number of procedures can be followed to minimize the harm to the affected areas.

Containment

• Oil spills that occur in the ocean are most commonly treated with the procedure known as "containment" followed by "skimming." During this process, large vinyl-coated polyester floats, known as booms, are placed in the water to form a long chain that encircles the spill. The booms contain the spill and prevent it from contaminating the surrounding waters. Once the oil is contained, boats fitted with machines that suction the oil from the top of the water transfer the oil from the surface of the water into an oil tank. It is then disposed of properly when the boat reaches shore.

Sorbents

• In some cases, oil spills in the water can be cleaned with large sponges. However, these are not sponges like those associated with typical use, such as cleaning. Sorbents are sponges made of a natural materials, such as wood pieces, certain types of grasses, and even the husks from coconut shells. They are layered on the surface of the water. Instantly, they begin to absorb oil. They are then collected in boats and disposed of properly.

In-Situ Burning

• This method calls for the oil on top of the water to be ignited. When fire touches the oil on the top of the water, it spreads quickly. The fire naturally dies out as soon as all of the oil is burned up. Of all of the procedures for cleaning oil spills in the ocean, in-situ burning has the highest percentage of effectiveness. It is usually between 95 and 98 percent effective. Unfortunately, during burning, the oil produces a toxic smoke that can be harmful to anything that inhales it. The smoke quickly subsides after the oil is completely burned away.

Biological Agents

• Although more media coverage is given to oil spills that occur in the ocean because of the threat to marine life, oil spills on land can also be dangerous and must be treated. In fact, oil spills that occur on land can have more long-ranging effects because oil quickly seeps into the ground, while oil from a spill in water stays floating on the surface. Unless the spill is small enough to simply remove, oil spills on the ground are usually treated by applying a chemical agent to the land. During this procedure, a fertilizer that contains phosphorus or nitrogen is spread on the ground. These elements speed the growth and proliferation of microorganisms that can break up the oil molecules into harmless elements, such as carbon dioxide.

Dispersing Agents

• An oil spill that occurs in the water but far from shore or known marine habitats may be treated with dispersants, or chemicals that break up the oil molecules. Over time, oil molecules disperse in the ocean, andthe sun's effects and natural bacteria in the waters break up the oil molecules. When the oil molecules are broken down, they are rendered harmless to marine life. However, it is important to monitor an oil spill, even if no other clean-up procedures are taken.