What Are The Effects Of Chemical Dispersants On Marine Life And The Environment?

The effect of using chemical dispersants on the surface is well understood. By eliminating oil from the water surface, birds, marine mammals, turtles, and coasts are protected. But the case is different when its effects get much deeper underwater.

Dispersants are chemicals that help in breaking down oil slicks into smaller droplets. They have surface-active agents called surfactants. Similar to the effect of soap on greasy dishes, chemical dispersants are used to remove oil from water surfaces and into the water columns by improving the natural chemical and physical breakdown of oil. This prevents the slicks from reaching the shore or coating surface animals. When the dispersants are in the water column, oil is diluted and the toxicity level is reduced. These oil droplets become food sources for bacteria in the ocean.

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Learn about Oil Eating Microbes

Video explaining how oil eating microbes can clean gulf oil spill

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