Chemical dispersants are substances used to break down and disperse oil spills in water. They work by reducing the surface tension between oil and water, allowing the oil to mix more easily with water. This helps to minimize the impact of oil on marine life and ecosystems. These dispersants are often applied during environmental emergencies, such as oil spills from tankers or offshore drilling. While they can be effective in reducing visible oil, their use is sometimes debated due to potential toxicity to marine organisms and the long-term effects on the environment.