CHEMICAL KINETICS EXTENSION Cleaning Oil Spills Section Date Oil spills, especia
ID: 508029 • Letter: C
Question
CHEMICAL KINETICS EXTENSION Cleaning Oil Spills Section Date Oil spills, especially on the ocean, can be very dangerous to the wildlife and ecosystem but are somewhat frequent as crude oil is transported in large quantities on barges and through pipelines near water. When the oil is released, the oil spreads out and floats on the ocean surface so animals near the surface, such as otters and birds, are most affected by this foreign sticky substance. Components of the ocean water can break down many oils into smaller hydrocarbons and eventually carbon dioxide and water but this process can take weeks, months, or, depending on the type of oil, not at all. You are trying to convert the harmful oil into carbon dioxide and water more quickly. 1. There are other concerns with the transportation and storage of oil beyond the possibility of spills. Look up the Transportation section in the SDS of crude oil. What is the biggest concern when transporting large volumes of oil? Hint: What warning label is required during transportation? 2. Some environmental factors can speed up the oil decomposition. For example, scientists are concerned that oil spills in the Arctic Ocean will take much longer to clean up than oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico. Explain why oil decomposition might be slower in the Arctic Ocean.Explanation / Answer
1.) Other than the possibility of oil spills, the labels on the crude oil container indicate that the oil is highly flammable, adversely affects the target organ ( central nervous system), and toxic to aquatic life. Thus other than the oil spills, the first aid measures, fire fighting measures, and handling and storage measures need to be properly undertaken.
2.) Low temperatures and hence the presence of ice slowed down the rate of degradation of hydrocarbons considerably. The micro-organisms that degrade hydrocarbons were found to grow relatively slowly than other warmer areas making the oil spill in the Arctic ocean difficult to clean up.