Early Spill Characterization
CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) has developed the Slick Kit to meet the needs of ocean industry professionals, enabling the collection of opportunistic samples from surface oil slicks and sheens observed in the marine environment.
The collection and analysis of samples using appropriate equipment and procedures enables chemical characterization of oil slicks and sheen and potential identification of their source.
CSA’s experience in offshore environmental sample collection for the oil and gas industry has allowed us to assemble the Slick Kit to facilitate sample submission for laboratory analyses of hydrocarbons (including total petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds) and potential fingerprinting to establish oil source.
The Slick Kit’s contents enable the collection of multiple types of samples using customized methods to increase the chance of recovering sufficient sample volumes for chemical analysis in conditions ranging from surface seawater to weathered oil and mousse.
The Slick Kit’s Teflon nets and compact, passive, sorbent-based sampling devices use hydrophobic and oleophilic materials that absorb hydrocarbons while excluding water from the sample. Collecting these specialized samples improves the recovery of oil from the ocean’s surface, providing more hydrocarbon material for laboratory analysis than with water samples alone.
CSA scientists, operations specialists, technicians, data analysts, and project managers have the experience and training to plan, mobilize, and implement sampling and monitoring programs in marine environments worldwide. Our teams are highly capable and can provide training for the Slick Kit upon request. This training includes:
CSA Ocean Sciences is a wholly owned subsidiary of Continental Shelf Associates, Inc.
