Oil Spill Dispersants - Efficacy and Effects

Approximately 3 million gallons of oil or refined petroleum products are spilled into U.S. waters every year. Oil dispersants (chemical agents such as surfactants, solvents, and other compounds) are used to reduce the effect of oil spills by changing the chemical and physical properties of the oil. By enhancing the amount of oil that physically mixes into the water, dispersants can reduce the potential that a surface slick will contaminate shoreline habitats. Although called for in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 as a tool for minimizing the impact of oil spills, the use of chemical dispersants has long been controversial. This book reviews the adequacy of existing information and ongoing research regarding the effectiveness of dispersants as an oil spill response technique, as well as the effect of dispersed oil on marine and coastal ecosystems. Oil Spill Dispersants also includes recommended steps for policy makers faced with making hard choices regarding the use of dispersants as part of spill contingency planning efforts or during actual spills.

About the author

Summary

Reviews the adequacy of information and research regarding the effectiveness of dispersants as an oil spill response technique, as well as the effect of dispersed oil on marine and coastal ecosystems. This book also includes recommended steps for policy makers faced with making hard choices regarding the use of dispersants.

Product details

• Authors: Committee on Understanding Oil Spill Dis, Committee on Understanding Oil Spill Dispersants Efficacy and Effects, Committee on Understanding Oil Spill Dispersants: Efficacy and Effects, Division On Earth And Life Studies, National Research Council, Ocean Studies Board
• Assisted by: National Research Council (Editor)
• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 23.09.2005
• EAN: 9780309095624
• ISBN: 978-0-309-09562-4
• No. of pages: 396
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 226 mm x 23 mm
• Weight: 646 g
• Subject: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > Ecology