Removal of crude oil from highly contaminated natural surfaces with corexit dispersants

摘要: Abstract Dispersants are used to reduce the impact of oil spills in marine environment. Experiments were conducted with natural materials which contaminated by direct application fresh Louisiana crude oil. The evaluated included sea sand (South Beach Miami, Florida), red mangrove leaves ( Rhizophora mangle ), and shells Donax variabili ). Salt water at two different salinities (17 34 ppt) was types Corexit dispersant solutions (9500A 9527A) concentrations ranging from 100 3500 mg/L. Washing samples a three-step mixing procedure (salt only, then addition solution salt water, water) simulate oil-saltwater-dispersant interactions. In general, increasing concentration increased percentage dispersed into aqueous phase up containing 400 mg/L for 9500A 300 mg/L 9527A. Increasing above these levels also decreased dispersion surfaces. At very high (above 1500 mg/L), surfaces about one half what observed Although dispersants most effective removing particles dispersing due large surface area per unit weight; residual remaining on relatively comparison clustering particle There some penetration porous structure (at microscopic level) could not be removed.