Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Chemical dispersants are substances used to break up oil spills into smaller droplets, making it easier for them to mix with water. They help prevent the oil from forming large surface slicks and facilitate its natural degradation.
Related terms
Oil Spill Response: Oil spill response refers to the actions taken to contain, clean up, and mitigate the impacts of an oil spill on the environment.
Biodegradation: Biodegradation is a natural process where microorganisms break down organic substances like oil into simpler compounds over time.
Toxicity Testing: Toxicity testing involves assessing the potential harmful effects of chemicals or substances on living organisms through experiments and observations.