Crude oil refers to all forms of oil that have not been processed in some manner. Classes are used to separate crude oil based on physical characteristics such as its viscosity or weight. Crude oil is known for causing a wide host of issues when it comes into contact with the environment, be it land or water. Crude oil in the environment isn’t always the result of human spills as oil locked into rock will have leak points where it escapes out into the water, activities such as oil exploration also cause oil leakage and other pollution.
As oil cannot dissolve in water, the resulting thick sludge clogs wings of birds and can suffocate fish. It also forms a thick layer which blocks light from plants underneath, reducing their ability to photosynthesize. Crude oil also has a toxicological impact which varies depending on the chemical constituents making up on the oil. This has a negative impact throughout the food chain, and is a more widespread issue following the oil occurrence.
The fluorescence response of crude oil does encompass a wider range of wavelengths than other parameters. It is therefore best calibrated using samples of oil at various stages of weathering; using a calibration table or linear response model.
