While major oil spills are rare, oil slicks can have disastrous environmental and economic consequences. This book summarizes research on the use of chemical dispersants: their effectiveness and limitations and the results of using them in different spill situations. Based on laboratory and field research as well as on actual case histories, this book contains a clear-cut set of recommendations for action, planning, and research. Of special interest is the chapter on the biological effects of oil itself and of oil treated with chemical dispersants.
- Cover
- Front Matter
- Executive Summary
- 1 Use of Oil Dispersants: History and Issues
- 2 Chemistry and Physics of Dispersants and Dispersed Oil
- 3 Toxicological Testing of Dispersants and Dispersed Oil
- 4 Intermediate-Scale Experiments and Field Studies of Dispersants Applied to Oil Spills
- 5 How Dispersants Are Used: Techniques, Logistics, Monitoring, and Application Strategies
- 6 Technical Basis of Decision Making
- 7 Conclusions and Recommendations
- References
- Appendix A: Dispersant Products Information
- Appendix B: Case Studies
- Appendix C: Conversion Factors
- Glossary and Acronyms
- Index