Oil Spill Clean-Up Methods

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQOD_Ir2vQ

Due to the variations in marine oil spills, depending on the type of oil spilt, the location of the spilt oil, and the natural weather and environmental conditions involved in the area of the spilt oil, there are different methods involved in the clean-up of marine oil spills. The "green" method of using hair to collect oil, as seen in the video, is a relatively new idea, but effective because hair naturally collects oil. However, more common methods of marine oil removal from the ocean's surfaces are through natural degradation, dispersant degradation, biological degradation, or the collection of oil with the aid of boomers.

Through natural degradation, marine oil slicks are dependent upon the break down of oil through natural means, which involves being untouched by man. This method is used when there is no possibility of the oil affecting coastal regions, due to pollution, and marine industries. If left alone, the oil will disperse on its own when wind, sun, current, and wave motion react with the oil, allowing it to evaporate as well.

In order to surround and isolate a marine oil slick to prevent the further spread of the oil slick, boomers are used. Because oil floats on the surface of water, these boomers, similar to blockades, rest on top of the water to prevent the spread of the oil. Once trapped, skimmer equipment is used within the isolated oil location in order to collect the oil into storage tanks on the ocean surface.

Through dispersant and biological degradation of oil slicks, substances are added to the oil in order for it to become harmless and be able to dissipate. In dispersant degradation, chemicals are added to the oil slick to break down the oil for it to be able to naturally degrade more rapidly. They act by reducing the surface tension that prevents the mixture of oil and water. In biological degradation, "biological agents" are added to the spill so that biodegradation will occur at a more rapid rate as well. These "agents" are usually bacteria and other microorganisms that work to break down the oil into harmless substances such as fatty acids and carbon dioxide. With the addition of fertilizing nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, the rate of biodegradation is increased because these nutrients stimulate the growth of microorganisms that help break down oil.

These methods, depending on the conditions of the oil spills, can be very effective, and help keep the oceans clean.

Source:
http://www.ceoe.udel.edu/oilspill/cleanup.html