Sorbents onboard can be divided into two categories: which statement is true?

Sorbents onboard can be divided into two categories: which statement is true?

• A. Sorbents onboard can be divided into two categories: oil sorbents and universal/HM sorbents
• B. Sorbents should never be used for neutralized materials
• C. Sorbents absorb water only
• D. Sorbents are never used onboard HM

Answer: (A)

Two main kinds of sorbents are used aboard: oil sorbents and universal (HM) sorbents. Oil sorbents are designed to soak up hydrocarbons while repelling water, so they work best for oil spills where you don’t want to pick up much water. Universal or HM sorbents, on the other hand, can absorb both oil and water, making them versatile for mixed spills and for handling hazardous materials. This is why the statement identifying these two categories is true—the choice of sorbent is driven by what you’re trying to clean up. The other options don’t fit because sorbents are indeed used onboard HM, many are not limited to absorbing water only, and they’re chosen specifically to address oil or mixed spills, not neutralized materials as a blanket rule.

Two main kinds of sorbents are used aboard: oil sorbents and universal (HM) sorbents. Oil sorbents are designed to soak up hydrocarbons while repelling water, so they work best for oil spills where you don’t want to pick up much water. Universal or HM sorbents, on the other hand, can absorb both oil and water, making them versatile for mixed spills and for handling hazardous materials. This is why the statement identifying these two categories is true—the choice of sorbent is driven by what you’re trying to clean up. The other options don’t fit because sorbents are indeed used onboard HM, many are not limited to absorbing water only, and they’re chosen specifically to address oil or mixed spills, not neutralized materials as a blanket rule.