The present study models the fate of diesel oil spills in a variety of different desert (Libyan) environment. Sand is vulnerable to pollution from oil seepage, and sand in oil-producing regions is especially so. However, the contribution of different environmental factors and their interplay are as yet poorly understood. The study investigates the seepage velocity and composition over time of one type of diesel oil in sand from four Libyan locations and at different temperatures (20? C and 37? C). Results suggest that sand bulk density, ambient temperature, sand moisture content (0.5–6%), and sand composition have large effects on seepage velocity and composition over time. Results determined velocities ranged, according to sand type and condition, from 0.01 m/h to 1.67 m/h. Equally and possibly more important, results also suggest complex and strong interaction effects; these may render predicting the pollution consequences of oil spills difficult. Results from the model accord with results from field studies, suggesting the model has good ecological validity.

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