Abstract:
Oil is a major source of energy in the industrial world. Exploitation of oil and rigging activities, transportation via
sea, and many other mechanical failures lead to oil spills into the marine environment. In view of these, the
suitability and effectiveness of oil spill response methods have always been a topical discussion worldwide. It has
become necessary, now than ever, for existing spill response methods used to remove oil from the environment to
be improved upon and more importantly, develop new response materials that are sustainable and environmentally
friendly. There exist surfactants in nature that are non-toxic and biodegradable, which can be explored
to produce potential dispersants to help remove oil safely from the surface of marine water. This review comprises
of the works and resourceful materials produced by various researchers and agencies in the field of oil spill
response, placing emphasis on the use of dispersants in the marine environment.
