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SSF-Svalbard Science Forum

Field based oil depletion processes in temperate and Arctic seawater

Awarded: NOK 26,264

Oil spill preparedness is an important part in the treatment of accidental oil spills. Computer models are used to estimate the fate of the oil and help to decide for the most appropriate action. However, these models lack of field data to make their estimations more precise. Especially natural degradation processes need to be included in this models as they hold a key role in the degradation process. This project will simulate dispersed oil, what can occur both by natural processes as wind and wave movement or by the use of chemical dispersants, and analyze the effect of the single natural degradation processes such as photooxidation, dissolution and microbial degradation in dependence on the geographic location and the prevailing conditions such as light regime, temperature and microbial community composition. By decipher and differentiate between the effect of each individual degradation process it will be possible to take more precise estimations and therefore optimize the reaction to an oil spill.

Funding scheme:

SSF-Svalbard Science Forum