Introduce biological agents to the spill to hasten biodegradation. Most of the components of oil washed up along a
shoreline can be broken down by bacteria and other microorganisms into harmless substances such as fatty acids and
carbon dioxide. This action is called biodegradation. The natural process can be speeded up by the addition of fertilizing
nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous, which stimulate growth of the microorganisms concerned. However the
effectiveness of this technique depends on factors such as whether the ground treated has sand or pebbles and whether the
fertilizer is water soluble or applied in pellet or liquid form.