ABSTRACT
This paper presents information on the use of sorbents to contain and clean up crude oil and refined petroleum product spills on water and land. Sorbent literature sources have been reviewed, and information has been consolidated under contract to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This paper addresses types of sorbents, sorbent performance criteria, tests performed in previous studies, guidance on sorbent application, and profiles of generic types of organic, inorganic, and synthetic sorbents. It also considers, to a lesser degree, the use of sorbents on hazardous substances.