Review on Burn Residues from In Situ Burning of Oil Spills in Relation to Arctic Waters

In situ burning is a method by which oil is burned at a spill site under controlled conditions, and this method is subject to increased interest due to its applicability in the Arctic. This paper reviews the literature regarding the characterization and environmental effects of burn residues in Arctic waters. The results of a systematic literature search indicate that only a very limited number of studies have arctic pertinence. From the review, it is also indicated that the properties and composition of the residues depend on the efficiency of the burning and the oil type. Furthermore, the studies within the frame of the literature search reach consensus that in situ burning may increase the concentrations of large poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; high ring number) while reducing small PAHs (low ring number). There are very few toxicity studies of burn residues on aquatic and arctic organisms, and to enhance the knowledge base, more organisms as well as oil types must be studied. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies investigating the potential effect of sinking burn residues on benthic organism and the smothering effects of the more viscous burn residues on birds and other organisms related to the sea surface. More knowledge regarding environmental fate and effect of residues is crucial to complete a robust net environmental benefit analysis prior to an oil spill response operation in arctic waters.