What Is Oily Water?

December 29, 2023

Oil water is wastewater that contains fats, oils and grease. This can occur as a result of industrial activities such as manufacturing, mining or transportation. It can also be a result of accidental spills and improper disposal of oily substances. 

Whatever it may be, oily water can have drastic effects on our health and environment. Let’s take a closer look at what oily water is and how it impacts our surroundings:

The Composition of Oily Water 

Oil water is a complex mixture of hydrophobic substances. These substances don’t mix with water and they form the basis of oily water. Fat, oil and grease (FOG) are the main components of oily water and they come from various sources including: 

• Industrial Discharges: Industrial facilities involved with manufacturing, mining, and transportation can release significant amounts of oils and grease into water bodies.
  Effluent discharges from these industries contribute to the contamination of water, posing threats to aquatic ecosystems and public health.

• Accidental Spills: Accidental spills can release large amounts of oils into water sources. Major oil spills have been recorded throughout history and they usually occur due to shipping accidents or equipment failures. 

• Improper Disposal: Improper disposal of oils and greasy substances contributes to the pollution of water. This can occur through direct dumping into water bodies, inadequate wastewater treatment, or the improper disposal of industrial waste.

Impact on Health and Environment

Hydrophobic substances will cluster together and form a distinct layer on the water's surface. This layer inhibits the exchange of gases between the atmosphere, creating a barrier that affects the water, its inhabitants and the people around it. 

• Surface Water Contamination: The formation of oil slicks on water bodies blocks out sunlight penetration. This affects the photosynthesis in aquatic plants and also diminishes oxygen exchange.
  This depletion of oxygen can lead to "dead zones," where marine life struggles to survive.

• Bioaccumulation: Hydrophobic substances in oily water can enter the food chain through the process of bioaccumulation.
  Small aquatic organisms absorb these contaminants and as larger predators consume them, the concentration of harmful substances increases, posing a threat to higher trophic levels.

• Contaminated Seafood: When hydrophobic substances accumulate in aquatic organisms, they can contaminate seafood.
  Consuming contaminated seafood can introduce harmful substances into the human body, leading to health issues such as neurological disorders and reproductive problems.

• Impact on Recreational Activities: Oily water can negatively impact recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
  The presence of oil slicks not only affects the aesthetics of water bodies but also poses potential health risks to individuals engaging in water-related activities. 

Mitigation and Prevention

Nothing good comes out of oil water and mitigation methods are imperative. This includes the implementation of advanced treatment technologies such as oil-water separators and bio-remediation techniques.

Not to mention rigorous regulatory framework involving comprehensive legislation, regular monitoring, and audits. Additionally, community involvement plays an important role in mitigating the impact of oily water. 

Public awareness campaigns should target individuals about the consequences of improper disposal, emphasising the crucial role each person plays in preserving water quality. 

Conclusion

Oil water is an underlying issue that has and will continue to plague our waters. Its overarching effects are far reaching, requiring the collective efforts of individuals, industries and governing bodies. 

If you’d like to know more about oily water and how it can be treated, don't hesitate to contact us.