Formulation Changes in Oil Spill Dispersants: Are They Toxicologically Significant?

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the potential impact of oil spills on the marine environments and shorelines of the United Kingdom (UK). From the point of view of environmental protection, the crucial part of the assessment is toxicity testing, which ensures that only products that are environmentally acceptable gain an approval. Mainly the ‘Tisbe battagliai’—a marine harpacticoid copepod—standard acute bioassay is carried out to determine toxicity of common constituents found in dispersants. The Sea Test and The Rocky Shore tests are carried out, mortality of shrimps and limpets determine the results of these tests. Once a product passes through the scheme successfully, it is issued an approval for use that is valid for five years. Formulation amendments are generally small changes—1 to 2% by volume—to one constituent, with an appropriate increase or decrease in a second to compensate. Acceptance decisions are informed by advice from an expert marine ecotoxicologist.