Photochemistry of oil in marine systems: developments since the Deepwater Horizon spill

Oil spills represent a major source of negative environmental impacts in marine systems. Despite many decades of research on oil spill behavior, photochemistry was neglected as a major factor in the fate of oil spilled in marine systems. Subsequent to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, numerous studies using varied approaches have demonstrated the importance of photochemistry, including short-term impacts (hours to days) that were previously unrecognized. These studies have demonstrated the importance of photochemistry in the overall oil transformation after a spill and more specifically the impacts on emulsification, oxygenation, and microbial interactions. In addition to new perspectives, advances in analytical approaches have allowed an improved understanding of oil photochemistry after maritime spill. Although the literature on the Deepwater Horizon spill is extensive, this review focuses only on studies relevant to the advances in oil photochemistry understanding since the Deepwater Horizon spill. Deepwater Horizon oil was exposed to sunlight in the Gulf of Mexico, changing its composition and behavior.

Automated summary

Oil spills have significant negative effects on marine systems, and previous research has overlooked the importance of photochemistry in the fate of spilled oil. Recent studies have shown that photochemistry plays a crucial role in the transformation of oil after a spill, particularly in emulsification, oxygenation, and microbial interactions. Advanced analytical approaches have also improved our understanding of oil photochemistry after maritime spills.