Dispersants are special chemicals used to break down oil spills in water. When oil leaks into the ocean, it can harm marine life and ecosystems. Dispersants help by mixing the oil with water, making it easier for natural processes to break it down. This can reduce the impact of the spill on the environment. These chemicals are often used during major oil spills, like the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010. While dispersants can help minimize damage, they can also have side effects, as they may affect the health of marine organisms. Therefore, their use is carefully considered by environmental agencies.