Final answer:
Using the word 'dissipated,' it is suggested that the oil was broken down into smaller parts and reduced in concentration, largely by dispersion and biodegradation, not implying non-toxicity or increased potency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of the word dissipated in the context of oil spill cleanup suggests that some of the spilled oil has been dispersed into smaller parts and that it may have evaporated or been biodegraded by marine organisms. The term does not imply that the oil has become non-toxic or that its strength has intensified. Instead, it suggests a reduction in concentration and visibility of the oil in the environment, partly due to cleanup efforts such as the use of dispersants like Corexit 9527, which breaks down the oil into smaller droplets that can be more easily digested by bacteria.