There are numerous cleanup procedures for oil spills that can have significant environmental consequences, and strategies for mitigating those consequences will vary depending on the approach utilized. Yet, here is an example of a negative influence and a strategy to reduce it:
Negative impact: The use of chemical dispersants to break up the oil slick can be harmful to marine life and ecosystems. Dispersants can also disperse oil throughout the water column, making cleanup more difficult.
Solution: One option to lessen the harmful effects of dispersants is to limit their use and employ them only in regions where oil is unlikely to reach delicate habitats or when other cleanup methods are ineffective. Furthermore, employing more natural, biodegradable dispersants rather than synthetic ones can lessen the total environmental impact. Finally, utilizing dispersants in conjunction with mechanical measures such as booms and skimmers can aid in the containment and removal of scattered oil.
Source:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)