Investigating the Potential Ecological Impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and the Biologically-mediated Mechanisms of Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Implementing Organization
Louisiana State University
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$900,000
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI)
Funding Program
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative GoMRI Grant Program
Details
Project Category
Science
Project Actions
Chemical Aspects Research
Targeted Resources
Human and/or Institutional Capacity
Project Description
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was primarily an offshore, oceanic event. Much of the oil entered the surface waters and was mixed throughout the epipelagic zone (1-200 m). Large amounts of oil also formed deep, subsurface plumes (500-1500 m). In addition, dispersant was applied at both the surface and at the wellhead, and its distribution generally followed the oil (Kujawinski et al. 2011). The oil and, to a lesser extent, the dispersant represent a large injection of carbon to an otherwise oligotrophic environment.
Contact
Malinda Sutor225-578-8055
msutor1@lsu.edu
Project Website
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