Why use a dispersant rather than a consolidant?

[hootinholler]

Why break this stuff up? Why not find a catalyst that will solidify with the oil and float? Then you can sweep it up or leave it in place along the shoreline and keep building a levee with it.

:shrug:

-Hoot

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Because BP has people on its board that also are on the board of the co that makes the disperant.

But your idea does appear to be a lot smarter...

[Oregone]

2. Ka-Ching

Now, thats not the complete answer actually. Thats only the answer for why they used that specific dispersent, which was more toxic and less effective than others

[emilyg]

6. They are more people

connected to Nalco that were looking for a profit. Not just BP.

[Individualist]

3. A dispersant makes it more difficult to tell how much oil has spewed into the Gulf.

BP definitely doesn't want that known.

[hootinholler]

4. I believe you are right.

There's a per barrel fine IIRC.

-Hoot

[BrklynLiberal]

7. I would agree..That is the number one reason they used a dispersant.

[tsuki]

5. Why half measures? I mean what is a spill unless you add a poison that

will make sure the job is done.

[hootinholler]

8. Other ideas? n/t

[FarCenter]

9. By breaking it up and dissolving it in the water, it can be absorbed and metabolized by bacteria

It eventually all biodegrades.