Biological Oil Slicks. Part I. Literature Examination.
Abstract
It has been suggested that some of the films on the sea surface may be oils of marine biological origin. This report summarizes a survey of scientific literature relating to the distributions of oil-bearing marine plankton and the quantities of oil which may be available to form surface films. Analytical data on the composition of plankton oils indicate ample amounts of surface active substances. No definite mechanism by which the oil is liberated and comes to the surface is adduced; it is suggested that the fecal pellets of certain zooplankton provide a route by which sufficient quantities of oil could be dispersed in the sea. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1959
- Accession Number
- ADA039553
Entities
People
- J. M. Leonard
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory