[ AECH1100 ] Topic 8 - Petroleum and Marine Environment

Natural Seeps

This occurs when oil enters the ocean from a variety of sources, either naturally and also land based sources

Ballast Water

This contains oil, micro-organisms, poisonous chemicals from paints and rusted metals.

Collection

Remediation technique using a boom

Absorption

Different types of absorbing materials to pick up the oil (Natural Hair Mat, feather)

Spray

Dispersal ingredient to break up the oil in to smaller pieces so that bacteria can naturally break down the oil

• Is a nutrient-rich emulsion that can be applied on land or on water

• The bacteria breaks down the hydrocarbons into water and carbon dioxide

Dredging

Gathering of the bottom sediments

• Only can be done in shallow waters

Bacteria

Increase bacteria load in water environment

Controlled Burning

Only to be used in low wind, and will result in air pollution

• Do nothing – just allow natural to correct it

• Method often used in ecologically sensitive areas where remediation equipment would be too damaging

Skimming

Skim the oil off the surface

Dispersants and Gelling Agents

Act as detergents to break down the oil

• May be toxic to coral

• Most effective technique to prevent oil from reaching shore-lines

Secondary Containment

• Berms (an artificial ridge or embankment, such as one

built as a defense against tanks.)

• Clay or plastic liners

Double Hulling

To reduce the risk and severity of an oil spill from tanks, vessels, or ships, many are built with double hulls or walls

Mousse

When oil starts mixing in water, it can change composition. This is a sticky substance that clings even more to whatever it comes in contact with

Exxon Valdez Crash Case

On March 24, 1989, the tanker Exxon Valdez crashed into a reef in Prince William Sound. The tanker was carrying about 53 million gallons of oil from Alaska to the West Coast. Within a few days, it spilled almost 11 million gallons of the oil into the sea. These pictures show heavy sheens of oil floating on the surface of the water.

Sheen

This is a thin film.