Environmental Problems of Petroleum Production in the Amazon Lowland of Ecuador

The main subject of the study described herein, was the fate of crude oil, i.e. its biodegradation and evaporation, after being released into the environment as a result of accidental oil spills and discharges of pro-duction waters. Its primary purpose is to present the findings of this study to a wide audience, particularly decision-makers (e.g. governmental-level regulators of the petroleum industry), scientists, engineers and professionals in related fields, and the public at large, in the hope of providing guidance regarding the envi-ronmental consequences of, and reactions to, such occurrences.