Dispersants
Dispersants are formulated products that are designed to facilitate the dispersal of oil from a surface slick into the water column. This is achieved through the action of surfactants, a key component of dispersants, that reduce the surface tension of oil and enable small droplets to break free of the slick and be more easily dispersed in the natural currents.
Modern dispersants are generally less toxic than the oils they are used to disperse. Nevertheless, dispersants should only be used where they can provide a clear net benefit taking account of human health, the protection of environmental resources, marine amenity use and economic considerations. Dispersing oil increases its surface area to volume ratio that promotes biodegradation, and enhances the reduction of potential impact by increasing dispersion and dilution.
The removal of oil from the surface of the sea by dispersants can also protect seabirds, marine mammals and can reduce the likelihood, and volumes, of oil reaching the shoreline, therefore protecting subtidal and intertidal ecosystems.
However, by increasing the levels of oil in the water column, dispersant use may increase the risk to planktonic, sedentary and filter feeding organisms, and of entrapment of oil in marine sediments where it can persist for many years.
We administer the scheme that tests and approves oil spill treatment (including dispersant) products for the UK and maintains a list of approved products (PDF 117 KB). We also give specific approvals for the use of products in waters adjacent to England and Wales on a case by case basis taking account of advice from scientific advisors.
Further information
List of approved products (PDF 117 KB)
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