Abstract: A pollutant containment system for containing the spillage of fuels or other hydrocarbons or the like comprises a first layer (14, 60), a containment vessel (16) for receiving liquid passing through the layer (14) and channelling means (22) for directing liquid permeating through the layer towards the containment vessel (16). The layer (14) provides a plurality of active surfaces for the retention of pollutant and is such as to cause water to permeate through the layer at a flow rate to avoid emulsification of oil and water. Water is introduced into and removed from the containment vessel to raise and lower the water surface thereby to cause the pollutant to be smeared over the active surfaces.