dispersants

Dispersants are chemical agents designed to promote the even distribution of one substance within another by reducing interfacial tensions and stabilizing smaller particles or droplets. In industrial settings they include a range of surfactants, co-surfactants, and stabilizers used to keep particles from settling or clumping. In environmental response, especially to oil spills, dispersants are applied to slicks to break up the oil into smaller droplets that disperse into the water column rather than remaining on the surface.

In oil spill response, dispersants work by lowering the interfacial tension between oil and water, enabling the formation and stabilization of micrometer-scale oil droplets. This process enhances dilution and can increase the rate of natural biodegradation by expanding the surface area available to microorganisms. Effectiveness depends on oil type, sea state, temperature, and the amount of dispersant applied. While dispersants can reduce surface slicks and shoreline contamination, they may elevate exposure of pelagic organisms and alter the transport of hydrocarbons in the water column. Common commercial formulations include products such as Corexit, which are designed for rapid application by trained responders.

Beyond environmental cleanup, dispersants are also used in paint, ink, and ceramic industries to keep powders and pigments uniformly suspended. These applications rely on specific formulations that prevent agglomeration and improve processing and stability. Safety, ecological risk, and regulatory approval shape the use of dispersants, with assessments focusing on toxicity, persistence, and the balance of potential benefits and harms in a given context.