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Title: Laboratory evaluation of chemical dispersants for use on oil spills at sea. [Data on 14 chemical dispersants]

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00135a012· OSTI ID:5162895

Data on toxicity and effectiveness of 14 chemical dispersants were combined in a straightforward equation to provide an overall assessment of the relative merits of the oil spill chemicals. When a decision is made by regional response authorities to mitigate the damage of spilled oil to the shoreline, these findings should aid in the selection of an effective low toxicity product. Products were evaluated by using standard toxicity tests with a mysid shrimp (Mysidopsis bahia) and a standard effectiveness test using the Mackay-Nadeau-Steelman (MNS) apparatus. Ratios of dispersant to oil required to maintain 90% dispersions of oil in seawater (15/sup 0/C and 30%) with a standard mixing energy (1.0 in. of water pressure) of air flow were derived for each chemical by using Prudhoe Bay crude oil. Toxicity tests with M. bahia were conducted at 25/sup 0/C and 2.5% by using freshly hatched juveniles (15 per concentration times 5 concentrations) in small dishes in an incubator.

Research Organization:
Battelle, Marine Research Lab., Sequim, WA
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
5162895
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 19:5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English