engleski

Possible Consequences from Oil Transport within Kvarner Bay

Oil transport within Kvarner bay is dangerous for the sea ecosystem. Loading and unloading of oil are directly related to the problem of oil tanker ballast waters contamination. Also, accidents can occur while an oil tanker is approaching or leaving the bay, or they can occur via the oil terminal loading/unloading systems. In all such cases, leaking of smaller or more significant oil quantities to Kvarner bay sea can occur. Under such circumstances, it is necessary to determine of ecosystem status changes caused by such disturbances. Changes can be determined by measuring several characteristics. In this paper, the possibilities of optical fluorescent methods application for analysis of sea pollution by oil will be suggested. This method enables comparison of clean seawater samples with ones polluted by oil, and also mutual comparison of polluted samples. Primary excitation radiation is within an ultraviolet range of the optical spectra, while a secondary fluorescent radiation is within its visual range. As any oil type and its derivates have qualitatively different fluorescent spectra, it is possible to differentiate such samples. Described procedure is needed and usable for seawater monitoring, such as for expert documentation of oil spots within oil pollution performer identification procedure. The authors have presented the assessment method and the preliminary measurement results.

oil transport; Kvarner Bay; sea ecosystem

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