An examination of pollution caused by crude oils and petroleum products derived from them, this book covers how oil spills are measured and detected and discusses the properties of the oil as well as its long-term fate in the environment. This third edition contains a new chapter devoted to pollution effects on wildlife. It focuses on the cleanup of oil spills that occur in water, since these spills spread most rapidly and cause the most visible environmental damage. It also includes coverage of the latest technologies as well as recent spills, including the Gulf of Mexico.
- Introduction
- Response to Oil Spills
- Oil Types and Characteristics
- Behaviour of Oil in the Environment
- Analysis, Detection, and Remote Sensing
- Containment
- Recovery
- Separation and Disposal
- In Situ Treatment and Burning
- Shoreline Cleanup and Restoration
- Land Spills
- Assessment and Effects Overview
"This book is a welcomed update of the second edition ... The book provides an excellent introduction for newcomers to the field of oil spills. The book is well-written for the broad audience for which it is intended and would be very useful as a required or recommended textbook for introductory oil spill courses."
- Dr. Carl E. Brown, Environment Canada
"A well written book in which the subject matter is addressed in a comprehensive way and well organized for easy reference. ... The text is complemented by excellent photographs, diagrams and tables. Most importantly, the new edition is fully up-to-date, reflecting the latest developments in our knowledge of oil spill clean-up and the techniques available for mitigating the effects of oil spills."
- John McMurtrie, Secretary, International Spill Control Organization
Praise for Previous Editions:
"... presents a practical perspective and overview in dealing with on-and off-shore oil spills that can potentially affect sensitive coastal environments and habitats ... Certainly when oil spills occur, notably in a highly visible, sensitive and/or media concentrated area, such a book provides a good synopses as to the methods employed when dealing with such circumstances."
- Stephen M. Testa, Testa Environmental Corporation