The purpose of this article is to overview existing methods of clearing oil spills at sea and to recommend the best solution.
Historically, clearing oil by burning was the most spread way, but it is not completeley successfull because it required special equipment, plus fires can be extinguished during storms in anaerobic conditions. That is why other solutions were found.
Fence booms, round or curtain booms and inflatable booms are one family of containment and control equipment that can be easily installed before more sophisticated equipment arrives. It also can minimize spill area and stop it from spreading, however it cannot deal with effective elimination, especially in rough conditions when oil escapes from underneath.
This is why heavy chemical "artillery" is needed. Two main categories of chemicals can be used. First one deal with increasing oil density and thus sinking it, polluting the shelf or ocean bottom. Second one breaks oil in several substances, making practically no harm to plant and marine life.
What can be recommended in case of emergency is to localize oil spills if it is possible with booms, if not - to burn it. After localization, oil should be treated with dispersants which would break it without any harm done.
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