Input, Behaviour and Fates of Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Most of the oil affecting marine ecosystems derives from tanker operations (cleaning compartments etc.) and accidents, with incidents at production installations being less significant (Clark, 1986). However, some 28% of the estimated world input of petroleum hydrocarbons to the sea is from river runoff, indicating that chronic pollution of freshwaters is widespread. Much of this will be derived from gasoline and oil washed from roads etc., together with the illegal disposal of used engine oil. Other sources include boats and irrigation pumps, while accidents involving transporters and spillages from storage tanks are also significant. Toms (1975) detailed 483 incidents involving petroleum products in England and Wales over a twelve month period, while in 1983 in England and Wales, 40% of the pollution incidents which resulted in the closure of water supply intakes involved fuel oils (Evans et al., 1986). Similarly, 60% of pollution incidents in the Strathclyde region of Scotland between 1983 and 1986 were due to spillages of petroleum products (Clyde River Purification Board, 1986). Oil pollution is therefore potentially a considerable problem