Title

Marine Tar Residues: a Review

Authors

Authors

A. M. Warnock; S. C. Hagen;D. L. Passeri

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Water Air Soil Pollut.

Keywords

Marine tar; Tar balls; Tar mats; Oil spills; GULF-OF-MEXICO; POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC-HYDROCARBONS; PRINCE-WILLIAM-SOUND; VALDEZ OIL-SPILL; SOUTH CHINA SEA; PELAGIC TAR; BEACH TAR; CRUDE-OIL; INDIAN-OCEAN; PETROLEUM-HYDROCARBONS; Environmental Sciences; Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences; Water; Resources

Abstract

Marine tar residues originate from natural and anthropogenic oil releases into the ocean environment and are formed after liquid petroleum is transformed by weathering, sedimentation, and other processes. Tar balls, tar mats, and tar patties are common examples of marine tar residues and can range in size from millimeters in diameter (tar balls) to several meters in length and width (tar mats). These residues can remain in the ocean environment indefinitely, decomposing or becoming buried in the sea floor. However, in many cases, they are transported ashore via currents and waves where they pose a concern to coastal recreation activities, the seafood industry and may have negative effects on wildlife. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on marine tar residue formation, transport, degradation, and distribution. Methods of detection and removal of marine tar residues and their possible ecological effects are discussed, in addition to topics of marine tar research that warrant further investigation. Emphasis is placed on benthic tar residues, with a focus on the remnants of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in particular, which are still affecting the northern Gulf of Mexico shores years after the leaking submarine well was capped.

Journal Title

Water Air and Soil Pollution

Volume

226

Issue/Number

3

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Document Type

Review

Language

English

First Page

24

WOS Identifier

WOS:000351102400015

ISSN

0049-6979

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