A Comparison between Chemical and Natural Dispersion of a North Sea Oil-spill

ABSTRACT The application of dispersants to an oil-slick is a key remediation tool and thus understanding its effectiveness vital. Two in situ oil slicks were created the North Sea (off coast Netherlands), one left natural processes whilst dispersant (Slickgone NS) was applied other. GC-MS analysis seawater from surface slick, at 1.5 5 m below revealed only two samples with measurable hydrocarbons (221 ± 92 μg ml−1 seawater), “Slickgone Dispersed” ~25.5 hours after formation, which likely due environmental conditions hindering sampling. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene quantitative PCR amplicon extremely limited growth obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria (OHCB), detected relative abundance <1×10-6 %. Furthermore, Ecological Index Hydrocarbon Exposure (EIHE) score, quantifies proportion bacterial community hydrocarbon-biodegradation potential, low 0.012 (scale 0 – 1). This very hydrocarbon-degrading time sampling, even hydrocarbons, could potentially be attributed nutrient limitation (~25.5 creation total inorganic nitrogen 3.33 μM phosphorus undetectable). results this study highlight capacity for environment, during relatively short period, naturally attenuate oil.