A perspective on sorbents: responding to a bunker oil spill

Some practical guidelines for the selection of sorbents for use in oil spill cleanup are provided. Sorbents may be classified as selective or oleophilic, and non-selective or universal. Oleophilic sorbents are water-repelling, i.e. they will soak up oil spills and leave water behind. Universal sorbents will soak up most liquids. Sorbents come in such forms as booms, pads, socks, pillows, and loose particulates for spills on land. A case history involving a spill of Bunker C oil in a drainage ditch was provided to illustrate the variety of sorbents that may have to be employed to contain a particular spill. Since unexpected situations during a cleanup effort are the rule more than the exception, it is wise to use a sorbent supplier company that can fulfill a variety of spill response needs