A review of oil, dispersed oil and sediment interactions in the aquatic environment: influence on the fate, transport and remediation of oil spills

Yanyan Gong; Xiao Zhao; Zhengqing Cai; S E O'Reilly; Xiaodi Hao; Dongye Zhao

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.12.024

A review of oil, dispersed oil and sediment interactions in the aquatic environment: influence on the fate, transport and remediation of oil spills

Mar Pollut Bull. 2014 Feb 15;79(1-2):16-33. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.12.024. Epub 2013 Dec 31.

Authors

Yanyan Gong¹, Xiao Zhao¹, Zhengqing Cai¹, S E O'Reilly², Xiaodi Hao³, Dongye Zhao⁴

Affiliations

¹ Environmental Engineering Program, Department of Civil Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
² Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, GOM Region, Office of Environment, New Orleans, LA 70123-2394, USA.
³ Environmental Engineering Program, Department of Civil Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA; Beijing Climate Change Research and Education Center, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China.
⁴ Environmental Engineering Program, Department of Civil Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. Electronic address: zhaodon@auburn.edu.

PMID: 24388567
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.12.024

Abstract

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill has spurred significant amounts of researches on fate, transport, and environmental impacts of oil and oil dispersants. This review critically summarizes what is understood to date about the interactions between oil, oil dispersants and sediments, their roles in developing oil spill countermeasures, and how these interactions may change in deepwater environments. Effects of controlling parameters, such as sediment particle size and concentration, organic matter content, oil properties, and salinity on oil-sediment interactions are described in detail. Special attention is placed to the application and effects of oil dispersants on the rate and extent of the interactions between oil and sediment or suspended particulate materials. Various analytical methods are discussed for characterization of oil-sediment interactions. Current knowledge gaps are identified and further research needs are proposed to facilitate sounder assessment of fate and impacts of oil spills in the marine environment.

Keywords: Dispersants; Dispersed oil; Oil spill; Oil–sediment interaction; Sediment; Sorption.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Environmental Monitoring*
Environmental Restoration and Remediation
Geologic Sediments / chemistry
Petroleum / analysis*
Petroleum Pollution / analysis*
Petroleum Pollution / statistics & numerical data
Surface-Active Agents / chemistry
Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

Petroleum
Surface-Active Agents
Water Pollutants, Chemical