The effect of sand composition on the degradation of buried oil

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Fernandez Fernandez, S (Author) Other; Bernabeu, AM (Author) Other; Rey, D (Author) Other; Mucha, AP (Author) Other; Marisa M R Almeida (Author) FCUP; Bouchette, F (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Marine Pollution Bulletin

Vol. 86

Pages: 391-401

ISSN: 0025-326X

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-WBF

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.06.040

Abstract (EN): The potential effects of the mineralogical composition of sediment on the degradation of oil buried on sandy beaches were investigated. Toward that purpose, a laboratory experiment was carried out with sandy sediment collected along NW Iberian Peninsula beaches, tar-balls from the Prestige oil spill (NW Spain) and seawater. The results indicate that the mineralogical composition is important for the physical appearance of the oil (tar-balls or oil coatings). This finding prompted a reassessment of the current sequence of degradation for buried oil based on compositional factors. Moreover, the halo development of the oil coatings might be enhanced by the carbonate concentration of the sand. These findings open new prospects for future monitoring and management programs for oiled sandy beaches.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11