About oil spill control agents

Products which, when applied to floating oil or oil on shorelines, increase the rate of penetration of oil into the water column and increase the persistence of this dispersed oil below the surface.

Subtypes: 1.1 Hydrocarbon-based; 1.2 Water-dilutable concentrates; 1.3 Concentrates.

Products which, when applied to oil on shorelines or other firm surfaces, facilitate oil removal by natural processes or clean-up activities.

Products which, when applied to oil or oiled substrates, enhance the biological degradation of oil by stimulating the growth of oil degrading bacteria or fungi.

Subtypes: 3.1 Nutrient only; 3.2 Biological agent.

Products (usually powder, granules or beads) which adsorb or absorb oil. Note: Sorbent pads, bags and books that are easily recovered are not included amongst oil spill control agents.

Subtypes: 4.1 Natural – organic; 4.2 Natural – mineral; 4.3 Synthetic material.

Products used for cleaning oil from solid surfaces (more commonly machinery or marine structures). Unlike washing agents, degreasers do not result in the incorporation of oil into run-off waters.

Subtypes: 5.1 Natural solvent products; 5.2 Enzyme-based products; 5.3 Solvent-based products.

Products which, when applied to oil, result in the oil forming or being incorporated into a solid or semi-solid matrix.

Products designed to separate oil and water from emulsions. These are not generally used outside of controlled environments.

Products added to surface oil to restrict spreading.

Products added to surface oil to facilitate ignition.