Fate and effects of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in marine environments.
Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) defoamers are used to improve process efficiency under extreme conditions during gas-oil separation, when other chemicals fail to perform. They are also used to reduce the oil content of process waters discharged to the marine environment, thereby serving an important function in reducing oil pollution. As a consequence of these applications small quantities of PDMS may also be released into the environment. This paper reviews the fate of PDMS in the marine environment and the extensive effect studies that have been conducted. These demonstrate the absence of adverse effects on a wide range of marine species.
Stevens
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HERA Department, Dow Corning Corporation, Rue Général de Gaulle 62, B-1310, La Hulpe, Belgium. chris.stevens@dowcorning.com
Powell
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Mäkelä
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Karman
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D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry; D012722:Sewage; D012828:Silicones / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014906:Wetting Agents / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D012722:Sewage; D012828:Silicones; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D014906:Wetting Agents; C013830:baysilon