COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DISPERSING AND BIODEGRADING SPILLED PETROLEUM OILS AND FUELS

摘要

Compositions and methods for emulsifying a petroleum product that has been spilled upon a portion of the earth's surface are based upon use of a nonionic, primary surfactant composition comprising a first ethoxylated sorbitol oleate and, preferably, a second ethoxylated sorbitol oleate, and a nonionic, secondary surfactant that is capable of stabilizing and solubilizing the primary surfactant composition such that the resulting emulsifing compositions have a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance between about 12.0 and about 13.5.