Oil Pollution in WaterOil is a natural mixture of organic chemicals, the most abundant of which are hydrocarbons (Gale, 2014). Petroleum is a natural material that can exist in gaseous, liquid, or quasi-solid phases, alone or in combination (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013). The liquid phase is commonly called crude oil, while the more solid phase may be called bitumen, tar, pitch, or asphalt (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013). There are many types of oil ranging from gaseous methane with only 16 g/mole, to very complex substances weighing more than 20,000 g/mole (Gale, 2008). Some crude oils are dense and viscous, while others are light and unstable (Gale, 2008). Oil is one of the most common water pollutants in the world, primarily due to the amount used daily (National Research Council, 2014). ). Spills, leaks and improper disposal lead to oil entering our water supply and contaminating it. According to Gale (2008), oil spills are created by the accidental or intentional release of crude oil (petroleum). If spilled into rivers, streams or marine environments, oil can damage ecosystems far from the original areas of the spill. Even if the oil spill is cleaned up and the water is decontaminated, the oil leaves residues of relatively heavy molecules that are more persistent in terrestrial or aquatic habitats and cause longer-lasting effects. In addition to repair and cleanup costs, oil spills can result in economic losses and long-term economic damage to affected areas. Sources In our society today, massive oil spills from damaged supertankers are now rare, due to careful maritime and environmental regulations (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013). However, some small oil spills do occur and u... middle of the paper... synthetic petroleum base oils on the market today. The vegetable base oil not only comes from a renewable source, it is biodegradable and completely non-toxic. Additionally, engine oils and other lubricants formulated from our products can be inserted into existing engines and equipment without any modification and, once used, can integrate seamlessly into existing recycling streams and collection infrastructures. Future research Better monitoring and research should involve measuring how much oil is actually entering our waters, how much is coming from each source, and its effects on the environment. Furthermore, to fully understand the nature of the problem, in-depth research into oil pollution in deeper waters and offshore oil production is needed. Finally, and most importantly, educate the public so that they are aware of the harmful effects of crude oil on the environment.