Factors influencing the fate of oil spilled on shorelines: a review

Abstract

Accidental oil spills in ocean may occur during exploration, production, transportation and use. The spilled oil frequently reaches shoreline where it may harm more or less the ecosystem depending on the physicochemical properties of spilled oil. Here, we review the physicochemical behavior of petroleum hydrocarbons, such as crude oil and refined products, on various types of shorelines under various environmental conditions. During migration to the shore, the oil characteristics can change by evaporation, photooxidation, partition and aggregation. The penetration, remobilization and retention of stranded oil on shorelines are affected by the beach topography and the natural environment. We also discuss the attenuation and fate of oil on shorelines from laboratory and field experiments.