Beach cleaners

R. J. Fiocco, G. P. Canevari, J. B. Wilkinson, J. Bock, M. Robbins, H. O. Jahns, and R. K. Markarian. Development of Corexit 9580—a chemical beach cleaner. In Proceedings Volume, pages 395-4(X). 12th Bien API et al Oil Spill (Prev, Behav, Contr, Cleanup) Int Conf (San Diego, CA, 3/4-3Z7), 1991. 

While chemical agents other than beach cleaners or surface-washing agents are sometimes suggested for shoreline cleanup, they should not be used as they are not effective and can cause additional problems. Dispersants generally increase the penetration of the oil, which makes them unsuitable for use on shorelines. Solidifiers or recovery agents do not assist with oil recovery. 

Dispersants are formulated to disperse oil slicks into the sea or another water body. Surface-washing agents, or beach cleaners as they are sometimes called, are surfactant formulations designed to remove oil from surfaces such as beaches. Emulsion breakers and inhibitors are intended to break water-in-oil emulsions or to prevent their formation. 

The increasing demand by citizens and environmental organisations for cleaner rivers and lakes, groundwater and coastal beaches has been evident for considerable time. It has recently been reconfirmed by a representative opinion poll Euro barometer in all 25 EU countries. 

Beach, W.J. 1972. Skin Cleaner. Sugar Beet Products Company, Saginaw, Michigan, assignee. Patent 3645904. 29 Feb. 1972. 

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