Hydrocarbons in the environment

Abstract Contamination of the environment by hydrocarbon derivatives is a very serious problem whether it comes from crude oil, pesticides, or other toxic organic matter. Environmental pollution caused by crude oil is of great concern because crude oil hydrocarbon derivatives are toxic to all forms of life. Environmental contamination by crude oil is relatively common because of its widespread use and its associated disposal operations and accidental spills. This chapter presents the sources of such contamination such as (i) transfer and distribution points in tankage and process areas, also general loading and unloading areas, (ii) land farm areas, (iii) tank farms, (iv) individual aboveground storage tanks and particularly individual underground storage tanks, (v) additive compounds, and (vi) pipelines, drainage areas, and on-site waste treatment facilities, impounding basins, and lagoons, especially if unlined. Also, treatment of a spill using methods such as adsorption, bioremediation (using microorganisms to convert the spilled hydrocarbon derivatives into less toxic forms), or thermal technologies (using high temperatures to reclaim or destroy hydrocarbon-contaminated material) are presented.