Various Solutions to Oil Spills
- Controlled Burning: Can effectively reduce the amount of water in the oil, but causes air pollution
- Dispersants: A non-surface active polymer or surface-active substance used to separate particles. Used to avoid clumping or settling.
- Skimming: Removing the substance from the surface of the water.
- Dredging:Removing the oil by scooping it out.
- Solidifying: Composed of hydrophobic polymers that absorb the oil. Change the oil from a liquid to a semi-solid
- Vacuum: Oil can be sucked up, along with the water, and it is then separated using a centrifuge.
- Bio-remediation is the use of microorganisms and biological agents to break down or remove oil.
- A variety of new bio-remediation techniques are used in the market as a means to clean oil spills
- One of which is Aerogel, a class of "super-light structures that also acts as a highly efficient absorbent material."
- Similar to an automobile, these microorganisms use the oil as fuel -- they then emit CO2 as a result.
- It is possible to add fertalisers, such as iron and nitrogen, to stimulate the growth of the microorganisms.
- There are several ways the average person can help: Calling politicians to ensure they know the public is concerned, donating to oil-cleanup organisations, or volunteering to help clean up