ADSORPTION OF SURFACE-ACTIVE MATERIAL AT THE SURFACE OF SEA-WATER SAMPLES FROM THE BAY OF PANAMA.
Abstract
A great variety of surface-active compounds are known to exist in the sea. Under proper environmental conditions, they can adsorb at the surface of the sea, forming the so-called 'slicks' that are often observed. The presence of these adsorbed molecules in the interface can cause significant changes in other surface properties besides the damping of capillary waves. Because of their influence on the properties of the sea surface, a study was made of the rate at which these surface-active molecules can accumulate at the water/ air interface. Surface tension and surface potential measurements were used to detect the presence of adsorbed material at the surface of sea-water samples. The samples used in the present study were from the Bay of Panama. It was found that periods as long as several hours may be required for sufficient material to adsorb to cause a significant decrease in the surface tension of an undisturbed water sample. The rate of adsorption increased remarkably, however, when a stream of air bubbles was passed through the water, or when the water was stirred vigorously. It was also found that in the Bay of Panama the concentration of surface-active material was rather constant with depth from the surface few inches to a depth of at least 80 ft. Only the very thin layer of water at the interface showed a significantly greater concentration of surface-active material. The results of this study are in good agreement with a similar study of sea-water samples collected near La Jolla, California. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0624429
Entities
People
- Neldon L. Jarvis
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory