LEAN members, Steve Kolian and Scott Porter, along with LEAN Technical Advisor, Wilma Subra, have published a scientific paper discussing the extent of hydrocarbon contamination in sediment, seawater, biota and seafood during/after the BP Oil disaster. This work was done with data furnished with support from Smith Stag and samples collected by Boston Chemical Data.
LEAN members, Steve Kolian and Scott Porter, along with LEAN Technical Advisor, Wilma Subra, have published a scientific paper discussing the extent of hydrocarbon contamination in sediment, seawater, biota and seafood during/after the BP Oil disaster. This work was done with data furnished with support from Smith Stag and samples collected by Boston Chemical Data.
Published this month in Marine Pollution Bulletin
View at sciencedirect.com
Title:
Distribution and concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons associated with the BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Gulf of Mexico
Authors:
Paul W. Sammarco, Steve R. Kolian, Richard A.F. Warby, Jennifer L. Bouldin, Wilma A. Subra, Scott A. Porter
Abstract:
We examined the geographic extent of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in sediment, seawater, biota, and seafood during/after the BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (April 20-July 15, 2010; 28.736667°N, −88.386944°W). TPH, PAHs, and 12 compound classes were examined, particularly C1-benzo(a)anthracenes/chrysenes, C-2-/C-4-phenanthrenes/anthracenes, and C3-naphthalenes. Sediment TPH, PAHs, and all classes peaked near Pensacola, Florida, and Galveston, Texas. Seawater TPH peaked off Pensacola; all of the above classes peaked off the Mississippi River, Louisiana and Galveston. Biota TPH and PAHs peaked near the Mississippi River; C-3 napthalenes peaked near the spill site. Seafood TPH peaked near the spill site, with PAHs and all classes peaking near Pensacola. We recommend that oil concentrations continued to be monitored in these media well after the spill has ceased to assist in defining re-opening dates for fisheries; closures should be maintained until hydrocarbon levels are deemed within appropriate limits.
View the pdf here.
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