Oil spill cleanups: finding the right chemistry

The video discusses the challenges of cleaning up oil spills, focusing on the Deepwater Horizon incident. Analytical chemist Matthew Tarr studies how crude oil breaks down in seawater when exposed to sunlight. His research shows that sunlight plays a crucial role in oil degradation, but can also negatively affect oil consistency, making it harder for microorganisms to break it down. Chemical dispersants, used during the spill, help spread oil for natural degradation but have toxicity concerns. Tarr's findings aim to improve cleanup models and foresee new technologies using targeted light for faster oil degradation.

What role does sunlight play in the degradation of oil after a spill?

What are the potential negative effects of sunlight on oil degradation?

How does the consistency of oil change after being exposed to sunlight for 30 days?

What is the purpose of using chemical dispersants during an oil spill cleanup?

How can new technologies potentially improve oil degradation after a spill?