Natural degradation of spilt fuel oil on seacoasts: Modelling, mapping, and spatial analysis

Abstract

In recent decades, numerous oil spills have occurred worldwide and affected coastal environments. In the present paper, we analysed the results of long-term (up to 18 years) field and laboratory studies of temporal changes in the quantity and composition of oil slicks and tar balls in different geographical environments polluted by spilt fuel oil, including the Atlantic coasts of France and Spain, the coasts of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea in Russia. The empirical statistical model developed in this research allowed us to identify the most significant environmental parameters during the oil pollution transformation process. We used these parameters to evaluate the potential rates of natural degradation of spilt oil stranded ashore and to develop a cartographic model. This is the first time a study offers quantitative maps of the potential of spilt oil natural transformation rates. These maps can be used to identify the most vulnerable seacoasts and to optimise the clean-up techniques.