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mattgator
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I am doing a science project to determine what material is best at cleaning up an oil spill in the ocean. I plan to simulate the ocean and use motor oil. I am trying to do something similar to Exxon Valdes
Sea-birds and seals were good - they are very absorbant and biodegradable.mattgator said:I am trying to do something similar to Exxon Valdes
mgb_phys said:Sea-birds and seals were good - they are very absorbant and biodegradable.
Kittens would probably be good too but you have to teach them to swim first.
http://www.webster.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?sourceid=Mozilla-search&va=humorkaisxuans said:But the oil would stick on them and everything. they may not make it back alive. Furthermore. i guess that what mattgator is asking should be on things to help clear oil spills and not the sacrifise of animals!
brewnog said:Oil and water separate pretty well by themselves...
That is exactly what I was getting at with my question. Pig rules.Gokul43201 said:Speaking of animals, how about something like a PigMat?
The best material for cleaning an oil spill depends on the type of oil and the location of the spill. In general, absorbent materials such as booms, pads, and sorbent powders are commonly used to contain and remove the oil from the water. Dispersants, which break up the oil into smaller droplets, can also be effective in cleaning up oil spills.
Both natural and synthetic materials have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cleaning oil spills. Natural materials, such as straw, hay, and feathers, are biodegradable and can be easily disposed of after use. However, they may not be as effective in containing and removing large quantities of oil. Synthetic materials, such as polypropylene, are more durable and can absorb larger amounts of oil, but they are not biodegradable and can have negative impacts on the environment.
Yes, certain types of bacteria, known as oil-eating bacteria, can be used to clean up oil spills. These bacteria break down the oil into less harmful substances, but they can take a longer time to clean up the spill compared to other methods. Additionally, the use of bacteria may not be feasible for large-scale oil spills.
No, there is no one material or method that can be used for all types of oil spills. The best approach for cleaning an oil spill depends on various factors, including the type of oil, location of the spill, and weather conditions. It is important to assess each spill individually and use a combination of methods to effectively clean it up.
Prevention is key when it comes to oil spills. Some measures that can be taken to prevent oil spills include regular maintenance and inspection of oil transport vessels, implementing safety protocols and emergency response plans, and using double-hulled tankers. Additionally, investing in renewable energy sources can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and decrease the chances of oil spills occurring.