Abstract:The acute toxicity of dispersed oil is well understood, and oil dilutes to levels below those of acute concern within hours of dispersion whether oil is dispersed by waves or by lower energy turbulence in the presence of chemical dispersants. Once dispersed, the hydrocarbon components of the spilled oil are degraded promptly by the native microbes in seawater, typically with an apparent half-life of 7–30 days even under Arctic conditions. Nevertheless, concern has been raised that this biodegradation might inc… Show more
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