Oil Spills and Cleanup Processes in Oceans

The treatment of oil spills is much dependent on surface chemistry principles. Oil on sea surfaces will be exposed to various parameters  

Loss by sinking to the bottom (as such, or in conjunction with solids) 

Oil spills are treated by various methods, depending on the region (in warmer seas or in a cold climate). The light fluids of oil will evaporate into the air. The oil that has adsorbed on solid suspension will sink to the bottom. The remaining oil is skimmed 

However, no two oil spills are the same because of the variation in oil types, locations, and weather conditions involved. However, broadly speaking, there are four main methods of response. 

Leave the oil alone so that it breaks down by natural means. If there is no possibility of the oil polluting coastal regions or marine industries, the best method is to leave it to disperse by natural means. A combination of wind, sun, current, and wave action will rapidly disperse and evaporate most oils. Light oils will disperse more quickly than heavy oils. 

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