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Introduction

Oil Spill at sea, threatens animal life, plant life and other marine resources. Oil can also cause long term environmental and economic damages to the marine ecosystem near a spill.

There are several ways to tackle oil spill at sea. The best method is to collect the oil and physically recover it from the water. However, mechanical recovery of oil is not feasible in rough weather conditions. Secondly, cost of oil cleanup by mechanical means is high as compared to chemical clean up methods.

Today, chemical dispersion of oil is one of the most favoured techniques of dealing with offshore oil pollution. These chemicals contain surface active agents (surfactants) in a solvent base, which are absorbed at the oil/water interface and lower the interfacial tension. This facilitates the production of small oil droplets into the water column. Oil dispersed effectively into a large volume of seawater is rapidly diluted by turbulence and its concentration is reduced soon to background levels.

Dispersants are most effective on fresh oils rather than weathered oils. Since, the viscosity of oil increase on weathering, the decision on whether to use or not to use dispersants must be made quickly.

Concern that chemical dispersants could be toxic to marine life has led to considerable caution in authorising their use at spill sites. Although, the new generation, dispersants are said to be less acutely toxic than the earlier products, misuse can lead to the environmental hazards. Secondly, all dispersants marketed should satisfy certain physical and chemical specifications and the Efficiency, Stability and Toxicity criteria. Only approved and tested dispersant should be used during oil spill in sea.