Fate and effects of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in marine environments

Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) defoamers are used to improve process efficien cy under extreme conditions during gas-oil separation, when other chemicals fail to perform. They are also used to reduce the oil content of process w aters discharged to the marine environment, thereby serving an important fu nction in reducing oil pollution. As a consequence of these applications sm all quantities of PDMS may also be released into the environment. This pape r reviews the fate of PDMS in the marine environment and the extensive effe ct studies that have been conducted. These demonstrate the absence of adver se effects on a wide range of marine species. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.