Oil Spills1. A. What chemical methods are used to clean up an oil spill? There are many different chemical methods used to clean up oil spills. Dispersants are used to break down oil and accelerate its natural decomposition. There are three different types of dispersants. The first type is a hydrocarbon-based solvent. These dispersants are sprayed on the affected area to dilute the oil contamination. The second type of dispersants is alcohol or glycol solvent. These dispersants are also used to dilute the amount of oil present in seawater. Types one and two must be mixed thoroughly with the oil after application to ensure the best result. The last type of dispersants is similar to the first two, except that these dispersants do not need to be agitated but the movement of the sea is sufficient. Solidifiers are also used to chemically remove oil. Solidifiers change oil from a liquid to a solid. Solidifiers are sprayed onto the affected area, and over time the viscosity of the oil increases. Eventually, the oil becomes semi-solid and makes it easier to remove.b. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method? Chemical oil removal using dispersants has many advantages and disadvantages. Dispersants help reduce the risk of oil interfering with marine animals. They also prevent oil from entering coastlines and sensitive environments. Although dispersants have many advantages, they also have many disadvantages. Dispersants are toxic to certain marine mammals. Dispersants must be mixed with water to be effective. Dispersants are also less likely to work if the oil is thick and heavy. Solidifiers have many benefits when used to clean oil. Solidified oil can be...... middle of paper ...... is very good for the environment because it means there won't be as much waste ending up in landfills.6 . Take a stand. If you had to choose one method, which one would you use? Why? If I had to choose one of these methods, I would choose the chemical method. More specifically, I would choose solidifiers. Solidifiers change oil from a liquid to a solid. This allows the oil to be removed more easily. Solidifiers are very cost effective, safe and non-toxic. Marine animals are not affected by solidifiers. There are also not many labor costs since meetings are only necessary to put it on and take it off. I also like solidifiers because they can be reused and recycled. Some solidifiers can be removed from the affected area and reused as oil. If I had to choose a technique, I would choose solidifiers.