Oljekontamination

Oljekontamination, or oil contamination, is the undesirable presence of oil or petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment, including soil, water, air, and sediments. It encompasses spills, leaks, improper disposal of used oil, and discharges from industrial processes. The contaminants range from crude oil to refined fuels and lubricants, and they can occur as a surface film, dissolved components, or dispersed droplets.

Common pathways include spills during transport or handling, leaks from storage tanks and pipelines, road and stormwater runoff, and wind-driven deposition. Oil can cover water surfaces, infiltrate soil, or volatilize into the air, with transport influenced by temperature, season, and weather.

Environmental and health effects vary by hydrocarbon fraction but can be significant. Oil can be toxic to aquatic life, suppress soil microbial activity, and reduce soil fertility. Some components persist for long periods and may bioaccumulate. Exposure to volatile organic compounds can affect human health through inhalation and dermal contact.

Detection and assessment rely on sampling of soil, groundwater, surface water, and air, followed by laboratory analysis such as GC-MS to characterize hydrocarbon fractions. Risk assessment compares concentrations with regulatory guidelines and considers exposure pathways.

Remediation and management include containment, recovery, and cleanup. Mechanical methods like booms, skimmers, and absorbents are used for spills, while in situ approaches such as bioremediation or bioattenuation treat contaminated zones without excavation. Other options include soil vapor extraction and pump-and-treat for groundwater, as well as excavation and disposal of heavily contaminated material, followed by monitoring.

Prevention and regulation emphasize proper storage, secondary containment, leak detection, and safe disposal of used oil. Spill reporting and cleanup standards are typically governed by environmental authorities, with goals to minimize ecological harm and protect public health.