Spill Science & Technology Bulletin, Vol.5, No.5-6, 357-359, 1999
Effectiveness of "Nochar" solidifier polymer in removing oil from open water in coastal wetlands
The use of solidifier in oil spill cleanup has been minimal due to lack of practical application method and in situ field testing and evaluation under various coastal and environmental conditions. Solidifiers are dry granular, hydrophobic polymers that react with oil and form a cohesive mass that floats on water, Unlike sorbents, the oil is retained in the solid mass allowing for easy removal. A field test was conducted in coastal Louisiana in which replicated open water enclosures were oiled with South Louisiana Crude. Granular solidifier was spread over oil and the solidified oil was then removed from the plots. Over 70% of the applied oil was recovered, Results demonstrated that solidifier may, under certain conditions, be an option for removing oil from wetlands,