THE COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISPERSANTS IN FRESH AND LOW SALINITY WATERS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Four marine dispersant concentrates and two freshwater dispersant concentrates were tested in the laboratory for effectiveness in zero to average salinity using two different test oils. The data show that the comparative laboratory effectiveness for all the dispersants tested is lower at zero salinity, but that the variation in effectiveness as the salinity increases is different for each dispersant. Another part of the study compares the effectiveness of one marine dispersant and two freshwater dispersants in different electrolyte solutions. It is shown that effectiveness behavior in calcium and magnesium salt solutions is markedly different from that in sodium salt solutions. The results suggest that any future test protocol for dispersant effectiveness in fresh waters should take into account the detailed composition of the water in question.