Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: Allen Johnson on 17/06/2010 18:30:02

Title: Would limestone absorb oil and contaminants?
Post by: Allen Johnson on 17/06/2010 18:30:02

Allen Johnson  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
If a tropical storm lifted the oil and chemicals out of the Gulf and rained it down across the land, would limestone be an effective absorbent of the harmful chemicals?
 
Allen D Johnson

What do you think?

Title: Would limestone absorb oil and contaminants?
Post by: frethack on 17/06/2010 20:11:55

The oil and dispersants would not evaporate, but if they were to wash in with the storm surge, they could infiltrate through the soil and may become trapped in carbonates.  This would also be disastrous because carbonate karsts are major sources for groundwater.