Abstract: Compositions for dispersing oil slicks on water are disclosed comprising a solution of surface-active agents in a mixture of viscosity modifier, water, and hydrocarbon solvent. The surface-active agents are a mixture of emulsifying agents and a lower amount of wetting agent. The mixture of emulsifying agents comprising two blends, A and B, of sorbitan derivatives, blend A having an HLB of about 8.5 to 9.5 and blend B having an HLB of about 8 to 10 wherein the weight ratio of blend A to blend B is between about 0.5:1 and 4:1.

Abstract: A method for removing crude oil, or other oil products, from an aqueous environment is provided. A lipid composition is melted and applied to an aqueous medium containing oil. The melted lipid composition initially mingles with the oil and later cools to form a solidifed mass. When the solidified mass is removed, a substantial portion of the oil initially present in the aqueous medium is also removed. The lipid composition comprises at least 65 percent lipid component, by total weight of composition, and at least 35 percent, by weight, of the lipid component is saturated fatty acids. Preferably, the lipid composition is selected from the group consisting of dairy butter, shortening, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A bead having an exterior surface which is at least partially coated with a material that under illumination and in the presence of air is capable of accelerating the oxidation of organic compounds floating on water. The coated bead is water floatable and has an equivalent diameter of less than about 2 mm, preferably on the order of 10-30 microns. These coated beads can be used to accelerate under illumination oxidation of a floating oil film (e.g. from an oil spill) by dispersing the coated beads in the film and allowing them to be exposed to solar illumination and oxygen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which is designed to be used as a cleaning agent and oil dispersant. The composition has a number of active ingredients mixed with water. The solution provides for the use of such active ingredients as sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, ethoxylated nonylphenol, lauric acid diethanolamide, diethanolamine and propylene glycol. Preferred compositions contain the following ingredients mixed in an aqueous base: from 0.02% to 2.25% by total weight of sodium lauryl sulfate, from 0.02% to 1.95% by total weight of cocamidopropyl betaine, from 0.002% to 0.25% by total weight of ethoxylated nonylphenol, from 0.04% to 4.25% of lauric acid diethanolamide, from 0.02% to 1.85% by total weight of diethanolamine and from 0.02% to 1.85% by total weight of propylene glycol.

Abstract: Surface-distributed hydrocarbons, in particular mineral oil and mineral oil processing products, are removed by allowing water and a polyether containing isocyanate end groups to act on the hydrocarbons and by mechanically removing the gel containing hydrocarbons which is formed.

Abstract: A method for dispersing an oil spill on sea water, which method comprises applying to the oil spill surface an effective amount of: (i) a blend of one or more hydrophilic and one or more lipophilic surfactants so balanced that they will form microemulsions with the sea water and the oil to be dispersed; (ii) a solvent which is miscible with the oil to be dispersed and in which the blend of surfactants is substantially soluble; and (iii) from 0 to about 10 weight percent water, wherein the blend of surfactants is such that it lowers the interfacial tension between the oil to be dispersed and the sea water to less than about 250 mdynes/cm when the blend is used at a treat rate of less than about 1 to 100 by weight, based on the oil to be dispersed, wherein the solvent is a hydrocarbon solvent selected from the group consisting of No. 2 diesel fuel oil, kerosene and white oil.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided to facilitate the transportation and combustion of highly viscous hydrocarbons by forming reduced viscosity hydrocarbon-in-water emulsions, and in particular, bioemulsifier-stabilized hydrocarbon-in-water emulsions.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions and methods for neutralization and solidification of hazardous alkali spills. A dry particulate composition containing an organic neutralizing acid and, materials having varying adsorption rates may be used to neutralize alkaline spills, and solidify the spills to render them harmless. These compositions may be applied to the spills by fire-extinguisher-like delivery devices which spread the compositions on the spills from a relatively safe distance without splattering the hazardous materials.

Abstract: Compositions for dispersing oil slicks on water comprising a solution of surface-active agents in a mixture of water and hydrocarbon solvent. The surface-active agents are a mixture of emulsifying agents and a lower amount of wetting agent. The mixture of emulsifying agents comprising two blends, A and B, of sorbitan derivatives, blend A having an HLB of about 8.5 to 9.5 and blend B having an HLB of about 8 to 10 wherein the weight ratio of blend A to blend B is between about 0.5:1 and 4:1.

Abstract: Organic material, particularly organic material floating on a water surface, can be encapsulated by reacting, in the presence of the organic material, (A) a functionalized liquid polymer containing anhydride functional groups which groups are derived from an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydride and (B) an alkoxylated fatty monoamine or polyamine having from 1.5 to 15 moles of alkoxylate per mole of fatty amine. The functionalized polymer (A) may be, for example, maleinized polybutadiene and the alkoxylated fatty amine may be, for example, N,N.sup.1, N.sup.1 -tris (2-hydroxypropyl)-N-oleyl-1,3-diaminopropane. Preferably, the alkoxylated fatty amine is derived from a fatty amine having an iodine value of at least 65. The method may also be used to encapsulate a solid contaminated with organic material e.g. oil drilling cuttings.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compositions and methods for control and clean-up of hazardous organic spills. A dry particulate composition of activated carbon and, alternatively, absorptive materials may be used to control and contain organic spills, solidify the spills and elevate their flashpoints to render them harmless. These compositions may be applied to the spills by fire-extinguisher like delivery devices which spread the compositions and the spills from a relatively safe distance without splattering the hazardous material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dispersing an oil spill on sea water which method comprises applying to the oil spill surface an effective amount of: (i) a blend of one or more hydrophilic and one or more lipophilic surfactants whose ratio is so adjusted that they will form microemulsions with the sea water and the oil to be dispersed, (ii) a solvent which is miscible with the oil to be dispersed and in which the blend of surfactants is substantially soluble, and (iii) from 0 to about 10 wt. % water. The blend of surfactants is such that it lowers the interfacial tension between the oil to be dispersed and the sea water to less than about 250 mdynes/cm when the blend is used at a treat rate of less than about 1 to 100 by weight, based on the weight of the oil to be dispersed.

Abstract: A method for separating liquids, particularly hydrocarbons from water, whereby a small amount of a high molecular weight polymer is dissolved in the hydrocarbon to render it viscoelastic. A hydrocarbon layer is then mechanically removed from the water in a manner which causes rapid stretching of the hydrocarbon with attendant development of elastic properties in the hydrocarbon layer. The polymer may be applied to the surface of the hydrocarbon as droplets of a relatively concentrated polymer solution or as solid particulates having a polymer core covered by a powdered solid material which is non-reactive toward the polymer.

Abstract: A method for collecting from a surface area crude oil or a similar highly viscous, tough and tacky material which covers the surface area as a layer, is characterized by consecutively separating volumes of the layer by means of a curtain of a fluid which under pressure is driven into the layer and has been heated to a temperature capable of lowering the high viscosity of the material in the volume, and applying suction to the material in the volume thus made low-viscous, for removing this volume of material from the area.A suction nozzle for carrying out this method has a suction channel which is connectible to a suction conduit, a pressure fluid chamber which has pressure fluid inlets and a first pressure fluid outlet surrounding the intake end of the suction channel.

Abstract: J-1 which is a strain of cyanobacteria is used to form and excrete a material useful as an emulsifying agent for forming emulsions of hydrocarbons and oils in liquids such as water.Method of separating and culturing the cyanobacteria under conditions necessary to achieve a maximum formation and excretion of the emulsifying agent into solution.Method of purifying and separating excreted as well as intracellular material from cyanobacteria.Method of removing stains with a material excreted by cyanobacteria, and particularly strain J-1.Method of effecting the secondary recovery of petroleum through the use of a material excreted by cyanobacteria, and particularly strain J-1.Extracellular polymeric material which is greater than 200,000 Daltons in molecular weight, and contains sugar, fatty acid, and protein moieties, and amide, carboxylic and amino groups.

Abstract: An oil treating system for use with a tank of oil on-board a tankship includes a container of oil treating agent, means for creating a plume of gas bubbles rising in the oil in the tank, a vent for allowing escape of gas from the tank, and means for introducing the oil treating agent into the plume of gas bubbles rising in the oil, whereby the rising bubbles induce upward flow in their vicinities in the oil with counterbalancing downward flows elsewhere in the oil, with turbulence generated by flow of oil around the bubbles and in their wakes, for rapid and efficient mixing of treating agent into the oil.

Abstract: A method for reducing oil slick on seawater comprising applying to the oil slick a dispersing compositions containing at least one surface-active agent, at least one solvent, and a nitrogen-containing compound which is a nutrient for the micro-organisms which are active in oil metabolism. The nitrogen-containing compound is a monoalkylguanidinium salt ##STR1## wherein R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical, saturated or unsaturated, containing from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms, and X is a halogen or an acid anion.

Abstract: An adsorbing agent and a method of preparation thereof is disclosed, which agent is capable of selectively adsorbing mercury from various mercury-containing gaseous or aqueous media at high rate of efficiency. The agent essentially comprises a porous material having a specific surface area in excess of 10 m.sup.2 /g. and a conjugated diolefin lower polymer deposited in a predetermined amount on the porous material.

Abstract: A dispersant composition suitable for dispersing crude oil or petroleum products floating on the surface of water comprises a combination of a selected non-ionic surfactant and an anionic surfactant in a suitable solvent. The non-ionic surfactant is an ester of a polyalkoxylated sorbitol or sorbitan and a fatty acid. The anionic surfactant is selected from the group comprising calcium sulphonate, magnesium sulphonate, sodium sulphonate, triethanolamine sulphonate and isopropylamine sulphonate. Suitable solvents are C.sub.5 to C.sub.10 alcohols, glycols and glycol ethers. The dispersant composition is particularly suitable for use in cold, low salinity water.

Abstract: The present invention consists of treating the surface of a viscous semi-solid oil or water-in-viscous oil emulsion with a chemical dispersant composition that has a viscosity which is sufficiently high that the dispersant will remain in contact with the oil for a time sufficient to disperse it in the water. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention a chemical dispersant composition for dispersing viscous, almost semi-solid oils in water comprises a dispersing agent and an oil soluble polymer in a ratio whereby said composition has a viscous, sticky, gel-like consistency.

Abstract: A spilled oil collection catamaran includes a submerged waterfoil extending between a pair of floats and submerged at its bow, a rotating impeller extending between the floats and above the waterfoil with its bottom partly dipped in the water, a spraying pipe extending between the floats and in front of the impeller for spraying a gelling agent for having the spilled oil drifting in the water surface gelled, and a vertically movable cage in the rear of the impeller for housing therein a porous collection bag which has an open side directed toward the bow to collect gelled oil in the bag. The catamaran also includes a spray gun at the bow for spraying the gelling agent over the spilled oil drifting in the water surface in front of the catamaran.

Abstract: A method of using spent silica-alumina catalyst previously used in a fluid-bed type catalytic cracking process by contacting a volume of particles of the spent catalyst with a liquid and allowing the spent catalyst particles to absorb at least a portion of the liquid. The method is particularly useful in the removal of hazardous liquid spills.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition for recovering a liquid organic material comprising:I. about 1 to about 30 wt. % of at least one of (a) benzylidene sorbitol, benzylidene xylitol or derivatives thereof, (b) hydrogenated castor oil, (c) 12-hydroxystearic acid, (d) 9,10-dihydroxystearic acid and (e) an amide of the member (b), (c) or (d), the composition further comprisingII. about 15 to about 70 wt. % of a hydrophilic solvent serving as a good solvent for the component I, and/orIII. about 15 to about 80 wt. % of at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobic solvent having a solubility of up to 5 in water, cyclohexanone, alkylcyclohexanone, N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone and N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone, the components II and III being conjointly present when the component I is the compounds under (a).With use of the composition of the invention, liquid organic materials over a body of water can be effectively gelled and collected with high recovery ratio and less water content.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon solvent-based dispersant formulation which combines heavy oil penetrability, activity on oil spills on either fresh or salt water, and the density and viscosity required for controllable aerial spray application is provided by the combination of sorbitan monoesters of C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 aliphatic carboxylic acids and polyoxyalkylene adducts thereof, polyoxyalkylene adducts of sorbitan triesters of C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 aliphatic carboxylic acids, and a water-dispersible salt of a dialkyl sulfosuccinate dissolved in an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon. The addition of a viscosity modifying solvent may be advantageous for adjusting the formulation to needs of specific aerial application procedures.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional network containing encapsulated organic material comprises reacting a functionalized polymer and a complementary functional cross-linking agent in the presence of the organic material. The method may be used for recovering oil spilled on sea or land, for treating organic wastes or preventing leakage of oil from tanks or pipelines.

Abstract: Chemicals spilled on porous surfaces may be removed therefrom by applying to the spill site a poultice in the form of a slurry or paste of finely divided particulate material dispersed in a volatile solvent in which the spilled chemical substance is soluble, allowing the solvent to be absorbed into the porous substrate. The poultice is then allowed to dry, thereby effecting a wicking action causing extraction of the chemical substance from the substrate into the poultice.

Abstract: An open sea skimmer barge comprising a hull having a bow, bottom, side walls, stern having a substantially horizontal elongate slot extending across a portion thereof and a deck, a spill suction tunnel, a collection tank, secondary oil separation means and tertiary oil separation means.

Abstract: Surface active compositions for dispersing oil slicks consisting essentially of specified proportions of a fatty acid sorbitan monoester, a polyalkyleneoxide adduct of a fatty acid sorbitan monoester, an aqueous solution of a dialkylsulfosuccinate salt, a glycol monoether and water and a method for dispersing an oil slick on water comprising applying a surface active composition of the above-described type to the surface of the oil slick.

Abstract: A method and process for preventing the penetration and/or adhesion of hydrocarbons such as crude oil or mineral oil-hydrocarbons into or respectively on objects. The natural and/or constructed objects are sprayed with an aqueous solution and/or dispersion of glycolipids resulting in a thin layer covering the object. A hydrocarbon composition can contact the sprayed object and the resulting hydrocarbon; containing mass can be removed with a pressurized water jet. Various ways exist for degrading or separating the hydrocarbons from the run-off. Preferably the aqueous solution and/or dispersion is treated with ultrasonics before being applied to the surfaces of the objects.

Abstract: Spilled liquid hydrocarbon products ranging from crude oil to refined fractions and discrete compounds are converted from a liquid to a gel or to a semi-solid or solid state by contacting a liquid petroleum product with a slurry of cryogenically comminuted polymer particles in a liquified refrigerant gas. The technique is particularly appropriate for control of oil spills in a water environment wherein the oil is either floating on or dispersed in water. Contact of the polymer particles with liquid hydrocarbons results in virtually instantaneous solvation of the polymer in the hydrocarbon to produce a cohesive gel or a semi-solid to solid material at a polymer concentration ranging generally from about 0.2% to 1% for gel formation and from about 1% to 30% for formation of a semi-solid to solid material based on hydrocarbon weight.

Abstract: A method of treating salt water-in-oil dispersions comprises mixing with the dispersion a latex of a rubber having a high wet gel strength. The incorporation of the latex into the dispersion causes exudation of water from the dispersion with resulting thickening. If sufficient latex is used the dispersion may be transformed into a solid. Suitable rubbers include natural rubber, polychloroprene rubber, butadiene acrylonitrile rubber, styrene butadiene rubber and poly (methyl methacrylate) graft natural rubber.The tackiness of solids formed using for example a natural rubber latex can be reduced by using in addition to the natural rubber latex, a latex of a low or zero wet gel strength polymer e.g. PVC, poly (vinyl acetate) or polystyrene. The effectiveness of the method of treatment may be improved by the use of a suitable compatible solvent e.g. toluene or a filler such as a clay filler.

Abstract: Growth of Acinetobacter Sp. ATCC 31012 on various substrates and under varying conditions has been used to produce two classes of extracellular microbial protein-associated lipopolysaccharides (the "emulsans") which, on a weight-for-weight basis, are probably the most efficient emulsifiers discovered and which possess certain characteristics that permit these unique extracellular microbial lipopolysaccharides to be widely used in cleaning oil-contaminated vessels, oil spill management, and enhanced oil recovery by chemical flooding. These classes have been named .alpha.-emulsans and .beta.-emulsans, both of which have substantially the same polymer backbone but differ from each other in certain important structural aspects. Emulsans and apoemulsans, both of which biopolymers are strongly anionic, exhibit a high degree of specificity in the emulsification of hydrocarbon substrates which contain both aliphatic and cyclic components.

Abstract: Growth of Acinetobacter Sp. ATCC 31012 on various substrates and under varying conditions has been used to produce two classes of extracellular microbial protein-associated lipopolysaccharides (the "emulsans") which, on a weight-for-weight basis, are probably the most efficient emulsifiers discovered and which possess certain characteristics that permit these unique extracellular microbial lipopolysaccharides to be widely used in cleaning oil-contaminated vessels, oil spill management, and enhanced oil recovery by chemical flooding. Emulsans and apoemulsans, both of which biopolymers are strongly anionic, exhibit a high degree of specificity in the emulsification of hydrocarbon substrates which contain both aliphatic and cyclic components. In addition, these extracellular microbial polysaccharides as well as their O-deacylated and N-deacylated derivatives are adsorbed on and capable of flocculating aluminosilicate ion-exchangers, such as kaolin and bentonite.

Abstract: The invention deals with calcium silicate granulates or powders with a microporous structure, which are obtained, by reacting crystalline or, if required, amorphous silicon dioxide, or materials containing the same, with calcium oxide or materials containing the same, in a CaO to SiO.sub.2 molar ratio of 0.

Abstract: Growth of Acinetobacter Sp. ATCC 31012 on various substrates and under varying conditions has been used to produce two classes of extracellular microbial protein-associated lipopolysaccharides (the "emulsans") which, on a weight-for-weight basis, are probably the most efficient emulsifiers discovered and which possess certain characteristics that permit these unique extracellular microbial lipopolysaccharides to be widely used in cleaning oil-contaminated vessels, oil spill management, and enhanced oil recovery by chemical flooding. Base hydrolysis under mild conditions of the emulsans and apoemulsans produces derivatives (the ".psi.-emulsans" and "apo-.psi.-emulsans", respectively) which are completely N-acylated and partially to completely O-deacylated. Emulsans and apoemulsans, both of which biopolymers are strongly anionic, exhibit a high degree of specificity in the emulsification of hydrocarbon substrates which contain both aliphatic and cyclic components.

Abstract: Oil polluted water or solid adsorbents are treated with microbially produced glycolipids to separate the oil phase. The treatment may be carried out in an apparatus which can be taken to the site and which comprises a mixing vessel supported by an undercarriage and provided with a storage container to supply the glycolipids, filling means, overflow discharge means and outlet means at its base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boom for depolluting water surfaces of crude petroleum and its derivatives or from other oily substances, comprising one or more sheaths of mesh fabric filled with an active substance constituted by 10 to 90% of a support of low specific gravity, 9 to 80% of a surface active agent, and 1 to 10% of a wetting agent, and also preferably filled with granules or flocks of expanded material in a quantity of 5 to 80% by weight relative to the active substance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing a liquid additive to the surface of a receding liquid in a pressurized vessel, particularly for automatically dispensing a liquid oil spreading agent to the surface of ballast water contained in a pressurized tank of a cargo carrier having oil based material at least partially floating on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A method for the dispersal of oil comprising the steps of(a) deploying a barrier on water contaminated with oil to enclose, at least partially, an area containing oil, said barrier having one or more weirs in the barrier connecting the enclosed area with a gallery and means for removing oil from the gallery;(b) allowing oil and associated water to flow over the one or more weirs into the gallery;(c) adding a dispersant to the oil and water subsequent to its passage over the weir or weirs;(d) pumping the oil and water from the gallery under conditions such that an emulsion of oil, water and dispersant is formed, and(e) discharging the emulsion into the water outside the enclosed area.Also claimed is a barrier suitable for use in the method described for the dispersal of oil spilt on water.

Abstract: A demulsifier and method for use in oil-spill recovery and clean-up that rapidly and efficiently separates a water/crude oil emulsion into its water and crude oil phases. The demulsifier comprises various mixtures of two components A and B. A is comprised of at least one wetting agent formulated to displace one liquid from the surface of a bi-wetted solid disposed at a boundary of a water droplet and oil phase continuum with another liquid via a reduction of the liquid-solid interfacial tension; and B is comprised of at least one surfactant effective in displacing an indigenous emulsifying surfactant film by another surfactant that permits water droplet coalescence and separation from said oil phase continuum.

Abstract: A method and system for dispersing oil in the event of an oil leak into a body of water from an oil tanker or an oil drilling platform. There is provided structure for detecting the existence of a leak from a container of oil generally surrounded by a body of water into which the oil is leaking; structure for storing an oil dispersant at the site of the leak; and structure responsive to the occurrence of the leak, for automatically causing the dispersant to be released from the containment structure into the leaking oil. In an oil tanker, the system and method may be implemented by providing structure for detecting a leak in the oil tank wall, suspending a container of dispersant inside the oil tank, and providing structure for rupturing the dispersant container in response to the detection of a leak so that dispersant is caused to mix with the oil in the tank before the oil leaks therefrom.

Abstract: A method for removing oil-based materials floating on the surface of ballast water contained in the ballast tank of a cargo carrier having vertical steel surfaces is provided comprising adding to said surface a spreading agent having a spreading force greater than said oil-based material in an amount sufficient to force substantially all of said material against said surfaces; and discharging said ballast water from said tank at a point below the surface of said water, said oil-based material being forced to deposit on said steel surfaces vacated by said discharged water.

Abstract: After physical removal of the majority of the oil on the surface of the water, the thin film remaining is treated with microbial metabolites which reduce the surface and interface tension and cause the formation of oil agglomerates. These agglomerates may be drawn off or left to be degraded by hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms normally present in the sea water or added thereto.

Abstract: Compositions useful as surfactants in the emulsification of oils in aqueous media are obtained by blending two types of polyester which are the products of condensation of an alk(en)yl succinic anhydride with a polyalkylene glycol, the one type being derived from an anhydride in which the alk(en)yl group contains 40-500 carbon atoms, e.g. polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride, and the other type being derived from an anhydride in which the alk(en)yl group contains 8-18 carbon atoms, e.g. dodecenyl succinic anhydride. The compositions are superior in effect to either type of polyester separately, in enabling emulsions of high stability to be produced with a low energy input.

Abstract: A dispersal medium for cleaning of oil spills and the like and extinguishing petroleum fires having as its major quantitative part a household liquid detergent and also including eucalyptus oil, bovine urine, alfalfa and vitamin B-6 and methods of oil spill clean-up and fire extinguishing.

Abstract: Growth of Arthrobacter Sp. ATCC 31012 on ethanol has been used to produce a new class of extracellular micro bial protein-associated lipopolysaccharides (the ".alpha.-emulsans") which, on a weight-for-weight basis, are probably the most efficient emulsifiers discovered and which possess certain characteristics that permit these unique extracellular microbial lipopolysaccharides to be widely used in cleaning oil-contaminated vessels, oil spill management, and enhanced oil recovery by chemical flooding. Deproteinization of .alpha.-emulsans by hot phenol extraction produces the lipopolysaccharide components (the "apo-.alpha.-emulsans") of such .alpha.-emulsans, which components have been shown to be completely N-acylated and partially O-acylated heteropolysaccharides made up of major amounts of D-galactosamine and an aminouronic acid, the O-lipoacyl portions of such apo-.alpha.

Abstract: A granular polyurethane cellular medium for absorbing water-borne, water insoluble hydrocarbons, method for its preparation and production system. The granular medium is formed by prereacting polyisocyanate or a prepolymer with a linear monohydric alcohol to form a prepolymer. This prepolymer subsequently is reacted with a polyol and blowing agent within a flexible sheet bun mold. Following molding of the bun within the flexible sheet, the bun is transferred to a comminution stage within a predetermined time period whereupon it is granulated. The material is fabricable at low cost and under a broad range of environmental conditions permitting flexibility in selecting the site for production of the material. The material exhibits an unusually high affinity for the water-borne contaminant hydrocarbons, does not absorb water and lends itself to low-cost production procedures.

Abstract: A method and a few compositions are disclosed, which are adapted to depollute fresh and sea water bodies from crude oil and petroleum product pollution by microbial action. The growth of micro-organisms capable of metabolizing hydrocarbons is exalted by certain combination of nutrients, such as lecithin as a phosphorus source, hydantoins, amides allophanates, polyamines, acyl-ureas and esters of the hydantoic and allantoic acids as the nitrogen sources. Ureido-derivatives of amides are also contemplated as additional nutrients.

Abstract: Growth of Arthrobacter Sp. ATCC 31012 on fatty acid substrates produces a new class of extracellular microbial protein-associated lipopolysaccharides (the ".alpha.-emulsans"). Deproteinization of .alpha.-emulsans by hot phenol extraction produces the lipopolysaccharide components (the "apo-.alpha.-emulsans") of such emulsans, which components have been shown to be completely N-acylated and partially O-acylated heteropolysaccharides made up of major amounts of D-galactosamine and an aminouronic acid, such apo-.alpha.-emulsans containing at least 5 percent by weight of O-substituted fatty acid esters in which the fatty acids contain from about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms. .alpha.-Emulsans and apo-.alpha.-emulsans, both of which biopolymers are strongly anionic, exhibit a high degree of specificity in the emulsification of hydrocarbon substrates which contain both aliphatic and cyclic components.

Abstract: Disclosed are surface-active compositions for dispersing or collecting oil slicks on water or for protecting or cleaning beaches, which compositions comprise(a) a mixture of surface-active compounds comprising at least one solid compound and at least one liquid compound, and(b) a mixture of solvents comprising a glycol ether and at least one n-paraffin having from about 10 to 16 carbon atoms.