Snare Performance for Sunken and Submerged Oil Detection and Monitoring

ABSTRACT - 687127 Most oil spill response strategies, tactics, and equipment are designed to address floating oil. Previous research historic events have shown that spilled can suspend (i.e., submerged oil) or sink sunken as a function of the oil's density relative receiving waters. Processes such wave action current velocity, sediment entrainment, weathering (e.g., evaporation) may change buoyancy oils causing them submerge sink. Non-floating is more difficult expensive detect poses significant challenges for containment cleanup. Many existing detection techniques non-floating rely on oleophilic sorbents, snare, which weighted depending upon location in water column then towed behind vessel designated transects. Currently, there no quantitative method relate amount collected by snare encountered during towing. In addition, dynamics interactions remain largely unknown. To these knowledge gaps, various components performance been evaluated since 2016 Coastal Response Research Center (CRRC) at University New Hampshire (UNH). The has evaluated: (1) impacts temperature, salinity, type, tow velocity adsorption desorption (2) position (3) material type potential alternatives mosquito fishing nets, plastic debris) lesser developed countries (LDCs), (4) interaction with results determined: was best less viscous (No. 6 Fuel Oil) lower temperatures (5°C) greatest low (6°C) velocities (< 1 knot), while salinity had effect. Tow depth arrays decreased increased unless vane used. Optimal spacing chain drag forces chain. Snare LDCs were nylon netting bags. findings from this improves understanding behavior how it interacts improve towing used responders, leading effective detection.