STUDY PROJECT

KEY CONCEPTS

• OIL SPILL

• CLEAN-UP

• CLEAN-UP TECHNIQUES

• COASTAL ECOSYSTEM

ACADEMIC FIELDS

• ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY

• ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

• ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

I) STUDY OBJECTIVE

1) Theme Presentation

The Ivorian coastline, particularly the Jacqueville area, is facing increasing pressure due to
offshore oil activities and maritime transport. While economically beneficial, these activities
expose the region to significant risks of marine pollution by hydrocarbons, commonly known
as oil spills.

An oil spill is the accidental or intentional release of petroleum into the sea or onto coasts,
causing severe environmental, economic, and social damage. In Jacqueville, coastal
ecosystems such as mangroves, lagoons, and fishing zones are particularly vulnerable.

Faced with this threat, it is crucial to analyze the techniques used to combat these types of
pollution, whether preventive (monitoring, safety standards) or curative (floating booms,
skimmers, bioremediation, manual cleaning). These techniques are implemented by various
stakeholders : oil companies, state agencies, NGOs, and local communities.

This study project therefore aims to understand, evaluate, and propose improvements to the
methods used to fight oil spills in Jacqueville, taking into account local realities and ecological
challenges.

2) REASONS FOR CHOOSING THIS TOPIC

Motivation:

First, Jacqueville is a strategic coastal zone in Côte d’Ivoire, located near offshore oil
exploitation areas. It is also rich in fragile ecosystems (mangroves, beaches, lagoons), which
are highly exposed to the risks of hydrocarbon pollution. These oil spills, although sometimes
underreported, directly impact biodiversity, public health, and local economic activities such
as artisanal fishing.

Second, the topic addresses both national and global concerns: the protection of the marine
environment against industrial activities. Combating oil spills requires solid knowledge of
clean-up techniques, stakeholder responsibilities, and prevention strategies. It is thus a
technical and interdisciplinary subject that bridges environmental science, law, economics,
and risk management.
Lastly, this choice is driven by a personal interest in environmental and sustainable
development issues. This project represents an opportunity to raise awareness of the need
to better protect Ivorian coastal zones, while also developing professional skills relevant to
environmental management, oil safety, and natural resource protection.

RESEARCH METHODS

To carry out this project, a rigorous methodology was put in place. The following research
techniques were used:

• Documentary research

• Questionnaire surveys

• Interviews

• Field observation

• Experimentation

• Content analysis

PROVISIONAL STUDY PLAN

PART I: THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

 CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INFORMATION ON OIL SPILLS AND THEIR
IMPACTS

Definition and Causes of Oil Spills

Oil spills refer to the accidental or intentional release of hydrocarbons into the sea, resulting
in oil slicks on the water surface.

Causes of Oil Spills:

• Accidental leaks: On offshore oil platforms or during oil transfer between ships
and terminals.

• Shipwrecks or collisions of oil tankers: Often due to poorly maintained or

overloaded vessels.

• Offshore oil operations: Human error, technical failures, or extreme weather

can cause major accidents.

Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts

• Degradation of marine and coastal ecosystems: Oil affects marine organisms

(birds, fish, crustaceans), contaminates water, sediments, and natural habitats like
mangroves and coral reefs.

• Economic repercussions: Artisanal fishing and tourism are directly affected.

• Health risks: Hydrocarbons contain toxic substances that can cause irritation,
respiratory issues, or chronic illnesses in exposed populations.
PART II: SPECIFIC CONTEXT OF JACQUEVILLE
CHAPTER 1: ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION IN JACQUEVILLE

Geographic Location and Economic Activities

Jacqueville is a coastal locality west of Abidjan, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Ebrié
and Bé lagoons. It is strategically important for the Ivorian economy due to:

• Offshore oil resources exploited by national and international companies

• A significant artisanal fishing industry, the main source of income for many
families

• Developing tourism potential, with attractive beaches and natural sites

History of Oil Spills and Petroleum Incidents in the Region

Jacqueville has experienced several marine pollution incidents, mostly caused by:

• Leaks during crude oil transfers between ships and platforms

• Technical failures on offshore installations

• Illegal discharge of hydrocarbon-contaminated wastewater

Though less severe than global disasters like Exxon Valdez or Deepwater Horizon, these
events have caused lasting environmental damage locally.

Sensitive Zones and Vulnerable Ecosystems

Some areas in Jacqueville are particularly vulnerable:

• Mangroves: Key to marine ecosystem regulation and species reproduction

 • Beaches and lagoons: Nesting grounds for sea turtles and fishing areas

• Wetlands: Home to rich but fragile biodiversity

Economic Activities

Jacqueville’s economy is structured around three major sectors:

• Fishing

• Agriculture

• Oil industry

It also has growing potential in tourism.

PART III: TECHNIQUES FOR FIGHTING OIL SPILLS IN JACQUEVILLE
CHAPTER 1: PREVENTIVE METHODS

Preliminary Measures

Preliminary clean-up techniques aim to limit the spread of oil and prepare for curative
actions immediately after a spill. These include:

• Maritime surveillance: Using radars, drones, and coastal patrols to detect spills
quickly

• Mobilization of response teams

• Source control: Stopping the leak at its origin

• Safety protocols: Offshore facilities follow international standards and conduct

regular emergency drills

• Environmental risk assessment

• Awareness campaigns and evacuations, if necessary

CHAPTER 1 : CURATIVE CLEAN-UP TECHNIQUES

These are used after a spill to reduce or eliminate environmental damage. The main methods
include:

1. Mechanical Recovery

• Booms and skimmers : Floating barriers contain the oil; skimmers collect it
from the surface.

• Recovery vessels: Specialized boats that vacuum oil from the water surface.

2. Bioremediation

• Use of microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) to naturally degrade hydrocarbons.

• Nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus) may be added to accelerate microbial

growth.

3. Chemical Dispersion

• Dispersants are sprayed to break up oil slicks into tiny droplets, promoting
microbial degradation.

• May pose risks to marine biodiversity.

4. Absorption

• Materials like sponges, agricultural waste (e.g., straw), or commercial

absorbents soak up the oil.

• Absorbent booms: Sponge-like booms are used to capture oil.

5. Incineration

• When safe, oil slicks can be collected and burned onboard vessels or
platforms.

• This is efficient but requires controlled conditions to manage gas emissions.

6. Solidification

• Chemical agents convert liquid oil into solid matter, making it easier to collect,
especially on beaches.

7. Floating Barriers

• Used to surround and contain oil slicks to prevent spread, often in

combination with skimmers.
 8. Coastal Clean-Up

• On contaminated shores, manual, mechanical, or chemical methods are used.

• High-pressure washers are commonly employed.

9. Phytoremediation

• The use of plants (e.g., reeds) to absorb and degrade hydrocarbons in affected
areas.

These techniques may be used individually or in combination, depending on the context.

Their effectiveness depends on:

• Weather conditions

• Type of oil spilled

• Water depth

• Local ecosystem characteristics